A Year From Oak Cottage

Sunday morning thoughts . . . soul food

2012-02-26T05:50:00.004Z

Source: pinterest.com via Marie on Pinterest

“You are the guardians of the hearth,” said President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008) as he introduced “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” in the general Relief Society meeting in 1995. “You are the bearers of the children. You are they who nurture them and establish within them the habits of their lives. No other work reaches so close to divinity as does the nurturing of the sons and daughters of God.”

One thing that each of us has here on earth, is a family. It may be a large one, or a small one. It might be just yourself and a much beloved pet, or friend. (Friends are family we get to choose for ourselves, after all.) They might be close to hand, or they live thousands of miles away. Family are those people, friends, pets that we love on this earth more than anything, and who we would do anything for . . . the ones that we just cannot imagine living our lives without them playing some part in it, however small or large . . .

I have a really large family composed of the Toddster, Mitzie, and family I have made for myself over here in the UK, my family back in Canada, and of course, friends that I cherish dearly.

"Heaven is a place, but it is also a condition; it is home and family. It is understanding and kindness. It is interdependance and it is selfless activity. It is quiet, sane living; personal sacrifice, and it is genuine hospitality, wholesome concern for others. It is living the commandments of God without ostentation or hypocrisy. It is a sweet glimpse of heaven, or a little bit of heaven on earth." ~Spencer W Kimball

Home is where you hang your heart and where reside the things which matter most to you. For me, my home is where Todd is. He is the love of my life, that special person which I waited a whole lifetime to find and share my life with. I like to think of our home as that little piece of heaven here on earth. I know that behind our front door, and within these walls there resides a special peace . . . love lives here . . . and I hope that anyone who walks through our front door is able to feel it too.

Source: sawdustcityllc.com via Marie on Pinterest

But, I also have another home. It is thousands of miles away and scattered into many pieces . . . just like that part of my heart which belongs to my children and grandchildren . . . there are pieces in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Ontario. It is a journey that began almost 37 years ago when I held my first and oldest son in my arms and became a mother for the first time. All my growing up years I wanted nothing more than to be a mother. I was not a perfect mom . . . Lord knows I have made my mistakes through the years . . . but I have loved my children with all that I am and all that I have . . . and I feel the same way about my grandchildren. They are the apples of my eye.

"Children being pure and holy, teach us something of our heavenly home. No gift bestowed upon us is as precious as children. They are proof that God still loves us. They are the hope of the future!" ~David O McKay

Source: proclamationpictures.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

Pieces of my heart also reside with my mother in Nova Scotia, my father in Quebec, and my sister and brother in Ontario. They are my family too, and they share something with me that nobody else does . . . they share a history with me that nobody else does . . . and roots that go deep down into the Canadian soil, that cannot be altered or budged. They are so wonderful to me and I treasure all that we have shared or ever will share, with all of my heart.

Family is eternal, and a part of our Heavenly Father's great plan for us . Within the walls of family . . . we should be able to find strength, love, understanding, hope . . . joy. It does not have to be perfect. None of us are. I find comfort in that truth, in knowing that however far we may move away from each other here on earth . . . we will come together again one day, and we can be together eternally, in a most beautiful place.

I do not understand people who have no belief or faith . . . where is the hope in that . . . the promise. How much more wonderful to believe that we were sent here to earth by a loving and caring being, with a wondrous and marvelous purpose for being here . . . and that when we leave this place, we can return again to that beautiful and divine place, to live with our family's and our Heavenly Father again, for eternity.

I know I am just rambling now . . . but these are my thoughts as I sit here this morning. I am filled with love for my family, both the near and the far . . . both the given and the chosen. They . . . you . . . are a blessing to me in a myriad of ways . . .

“...love...it ought to be at the center of all and everything we do in our own family, in our church callings, and our livelihood. Love is the healing balm that repairs rifts in personal and family relationships. It is the bond that unites families, communities and nations. love is the power that initiates friendship, tolerance, civility, and respect. It is the source that overcomes divisiveness and hate. Love is the fire that warms our lives with unparalleled joy and divine hope. Love should be our walk and our talk.”
― Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Baking in The English Kitchen today, a delicious "Eccles Cake." Oh so scrummy.

A happy and blessed Sunday to each of you. Smile. Find joy in the small and the simple. Be at peace.

Poetry Saturday . . . I remember, I remember

2012-02-25T06:38:00.003Z

Source: moonlightrainbow.tumblr.com via Marie on Pinterest

I remember, I remember
The house where I was born,
The little window where the sun
Came peeping in at morn;
He never came a wink too soon,
Nor brought too long a day,
But now I often wish the night
Had borne my breath away!

Source: mylittlecottage.tumblr.com via Marie on Pinterest

I remember, I remember
The roses, red and white,
The violets, and the lily cups,
Those flowers made of light!
The lilacs where the robin built,
And where my brother set
The laburnum on his birthday . . .
The tree is living yet!

Source: weheartit.com via Helen on Pinterest

I remember, I remember,
Where I used to swing,
And thought the air must rush as fresh
To swallows on the wing;
My spirit flew in feathers then,
That is so heavy now,
And summer pools could hardly cool
The fever on my brow!

Source: louboosandshoes.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

I remember, I remember,
The fir trees dark and high,
I used to think their slender tops
Were close against the sky:
It was a childish ignorance,
But now 'tis little joy
To know I'm farther off from heaven
Than when I was a boy.
~Thomas Hood

Thomas Hood was a British Poet and humourest, born in London in 1799. "Next to being a citizen of the world," writes Thomas Hood in his Literary Reminiscences, "it must be the best thing to be born a citizen of the world's greatest city." Hood’s most widely known work during his lifetime was a poem titled "The Song of the Shirt", which was a lament for a poor London seamstress who had been compelled to sell shirts that she had made, the proceeds of which lawfully belonged to her employer, in order to feed her malnourished and ailing child. Hood also wrote humorously on many contemporary issues.

As I was reading through this poem, I was reminded of the way I saw the world when I was a child, how everything seemed so magical and how all things were possible . . . our spirits gliding through life as if on light. That is, as long as we are lucky enough to have been born into happy circumstances. I am sure that there are children in this world that have a completely different reality than this, and my heart aches for them . . . I wish truly that every child in this world could live a life free from care and woe . . .

Source: carolinearber.com via Marie on Pinterest

I got the all clear from the hospital yesterday and was discharged from being a Gynological Patient, so that was great news. I had another scan and it was good, as were the blood tests. I was quite relieved. Although the biopsy before Christmas had come back negative, the fear was always there in the back of my mind, that perhaps on this three month check up things would not be as they should. I was greatly relieved to know that all was well.

I'm finding it really difficult coming up with recipes for both this blog and my food blog each day. I have decided that I will only on occasion show a recipe on here. I really want this page to be mostly food for the spirit. I know that I will lose readers because of that . . . but c'est la vie. There will be the occasional recipe, but food for the most part will be in The English Kitchen. I am happy with my decision, and I hope you all will understand. I may show you the odd craft and painting on here, but food will definitely be taking a back seat.

No plans for today. A bit of work, a bit of fun and everything in between. Life is good. Have a wonderful Saturday everyone and don't forget . . .

“What we love determines what we seek. What we seek determines what we think and do. What we think and do determines who we are — and who we will become.”
― Dieter F. Uchtdorf

There's a pretty amazing Banana, Cranberry and Walnut Loaf baking in The English Kitchen today. Seriously, this is the best Banana Loaf I have ever baked or tasted!

Friday morning happenings . . . it's all go, go, go!!

2012-02-24T07:01:00.004Z

Source: louboosandshoes.blogspot.com via Mary Beth on Pinterest

I've not a lot of time this morning as I have a hospital appointment to go to and I need to be there at 9:30, which is a bit early for us to be out and about. When we went the other morning for the blood test the traffic was horrendous! Morning rush hour traffic and the cars pouring into the hospital were just unreal. Everyone going in to work I suppose! You should see the bruise I still have on my arm. The plebotonist was in a bit of a hurry that morning, and I don't know why. There was nobody waiting behind me. In any case when I got home I noticed a large red lump next to the plaster and when I took the plaster off, it spread into a large bruised area about 4 inches in diameter. It still looks really bad, some five days later. That is the first time this has happened to me, although I have known it to happen to other people at different times. I have had to defend Todd's honour all week!! No, he didn't beat me! haha.

I was able to get a piece of work finished yesterday that I have been working at over a space of time. I wanted to present it in two ways.

This is the first way. (I don't know why the shading on her dress isn't showing. It's very faint in the pictures, but I can assure you it's there in real life!) This is the non-LDS version. Of course it's available as a print or a card. Then there is the LDS verson:

This version had the image of the temple on it. One of the things our church believes in is called the law of chastity. This means keeping yourselves pure in thought, word and deed, dressing modestly, and in keeping those intimate things between a man and a woman exclusively for marriage . . . keeping ourselves worthy to go to the Temple and to be sealed together with our mates for Time and all Eternity. This is something that is very sacred and very important to us and a great blessing in our lives. In any case this is a young woman looking towards the Temple where she hopes one day to make sacred covenants with her Heavenly Father and to be sealed together with her husband for Time and all Eternity. I think it would be lovely framed and hung on the bedroom wall of that special young woman in your life, so if you are interested, just let me know and I'll tell you how you can have it! (Either version! We all need to keep our standards high, whether we are LDS or not!)

Sorry for the brevity of my post today but duty calls. (It's nothing to worry about, just a follow up appointment from the problems I had last autumn. I am not concerned in any way.)

The recipe today is for a really delicious lasagne which has all the flavours of a delicious pepperoni pizza, except it's not pizza . . . it's lasagne! The recipe comes from one of those grocery store leaflets I think. It is copied into my Big Blue Binder and it is something that my kids always enjoyed. Todd's not overly fond of it . . . it's the pizza and pasta thing . . . he just doesn't care for either one, but he does eat it when I make it for the missionaries. I usually make it in two dishes so that I can freeze one if it doesn't get cut into.

*Pizza Lasagne*
Serves 8
Printable Recipe

If you like pizza, you are going to love this!

9 uncooked lasagne noodles
1 can (15 ounce) pizza sauce
1 can (14.5 ounce) tin of diced tomatoes with green pepper and onion, undrained
1 (15 ounce) container of ricotta cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese (8 ounces)
7 ounces sliced pepperoni
1 tin of sliced mushrooms, drained
1 (2 1/4 ounce) tin of sliced ripe olives, drained
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
2 TBS grated Parmesan cheese

Cook the lasagne noodles as directed on the package. Drain, rinse and then drain again. Set aside.

Preheat the oven to 180*C/350*F/ gas mark 4. Have ready a 12 by 9 inch baking dish which you have sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.

Mix the pizza sauce and tomatoes together in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring often, until heated through. Mix the ricotta cheese and Italian Seasoning together in a bowl.

Spread 1/4 cup of the sauce mixture into the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange 3 cooked noodles over the sauce. Spoon and spread half of the ricotta mixture over top of the noodles. Top with 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese, 1 cup of the sauce, 1/3 each of the pepperoni slices, mushrooms, olives and green pepper. Repeat layers once.

Top with the remaining three noodles, sauce mixture, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, mushrooms, olives and bell pepper. Sprinkle the Parmesan Cheese evenly over all.

Bake, uncovered, for 30 to 40 minutes, or until bubbly and golden. Let stand 15 minutes before cutting into squares to serve. I would serve this with hot buttered toast and a salad on the side.

There are Baked Potatoes Stuffed with Leeks and Cheese on offer over in The English Kitchen today along with a few other bits and pieces and some seriously fantastic cookbooks! Do hop over and take a look!

Getting from here to there . . .

2012-02-23T06:15:00.006Z

Source: garden-artistry.tumblr.com via Marie on Pinterest

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
~Lao Tzu

Back in the early 1990's, when I was married to my ex, we built our own house from scratch. It was a ginormous project, and something that the whole family participated in, right from the oldest down to our three year old at the time, Bruce. We contracted out the big stuff, like digging the foundation and the pouring of it . . . and the things that had to be done by professionals such as the electrics and the plumbing, but everything else was done by us. It had been my ex's life long dream and it really was a once in a lifetime project.

The idea of building your own home might seem impossible to some . . . but it wasn't impossible to us. We started with what we knew, and then went from there. My ex had taken a carpentry course in Vocational School before he had gone into the army, and so he began with the knowledge that he had been given during that time . . . I began with a willingness to do whatever it was that was required of me. It would never have gotten done otherwise . . . we didn't allow our fears of what we may not have known, or lack of knowledge hold us back and we learnt as we went along. We ended up with a beautiful house that was the envy of many, and the best part was that it was truly a family home in every sense of the word . . . as we had all played a part in building it.

Source: greigedesign.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

You will never get anywhere in life unless you start. Every journey begins with just one step forward. If you begin with the urge to do something you've never done before and have the confidence and freedom to believe it can be done, then somehow . . . along the way . . . any difficulties that may be attached to it will begin to lose their scary power of intimidation. We can trust in our Heavenly Father who has promised us that He will give us the power and the skill to overcome any obstacles in our way. I truly believe this to be so. We can climb mountains and accomplish many things if only we will have the courage to start . . . with what we DO know and have a willingness to learn along the way. With faith . . . all things are possible.

Just my thoughts this morning.

I am becoming a little braver in my breadmaking. For years I told myself I just couldn't make a decent loaf of bread, but I've been practicing and yesterday I made some lovely bread. I surprised even myself! This bread is lovely with a sweetness from the honey and a wholesome nuttiness from the wheatgerm and the toasted walnuts. I think toasting nuts before using them brings out their lovely flavour to the n'th degree!

*Nutty Wheat Bread*
Makes 2 loaves
Printable Recipe

A delicious light textured bread with the nuttiness of wheat germ and toasted walnuts added.

3 1/2 to 4 cups plain flour
1 tsp salt
2 pkg of rapid rise dry yeast (4 1/2 tsp)
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup runny honey
1/4 cup butter
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
2/4 cup chopped toasted walnuts
1/4 cup wheat germ

Butter two 8 by 4 inch loaf pans. Set aside.

Measure 2 cups of the plain flour into a large bowl, combine with the salt and yeast, mixing together well. Combine the milk, water, honey and butter in a saucepan. Warm to melt the butter and melt the honey. (120 -130*F) Add the warm liquid to the flour mixture. Blend at low speed with an electric hand whisk until moistened, then at .medium speed for two minutes. Add the whole wheat flour, another 1 cup of plain flour, the walnuts and wheat germ by hand.

Tip out onto a floured surface and knead in the remaining 1/2 to 1 cup of flour until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Place dough into a greased bowl, turning to grease the top, cover loosely with plastic wrap or a tea towel and leave to rise in a warm place for about an hour, until light and doubled in size.

Punch down the dough several times to remove all air bubbles. Divide the dough in half. Roll each half out on a lightly floured surface to a 10 by 8 inch rectangle. Starting with the shorter side, roll up tightly, pinch edges and ends firmly to seal. Place seam side down into the greased pans. Cover and let rise i a warm place until the dough fills the pans and the tops are about 1 inch above the edge of the pans, 35 to 40 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 180*C/350*F/ gas mark 4. Bake the bread for 30 to 40 minutes or until the loaves sound slightly hollow when tapped on the bottoms. Remove from the pans and allow to cool on a wire rack.

Over in The English Kitchen today, Banana Banoffee Muffins.

Wednesday ponderings . . .

2012-02-22T06:15:00.007Z

Source: jenneliserose.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

"I like living. I have sometimes been wildly, desparingly, acutely miserable, racked with sorrow, but through it all I still know quite certainly that just to be alive is a grand thing."
~Agatha Christie

I found this quote by Agatha Christie the other day and for some reason found great comfort in it. Here she was a famous mystery writer . . . a woman who wove many human stories into the tapestry of her novels, and enjoying a long and successful career until her death in 1976. As famous and as wealthy as she may have been . . . she still had the same doubts and frailties that affect the rest of us from time to time. Having success and money do not necessarily mean you will live happily ever after. Bad times come to us all . . . despite them, life is still a beautiful gift, and there is joy to be found in every day.

Source: jenneliserose.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

I think one of the unhappiest and most miserable women I have ever known was my last employer. Here was a woman who had everything that money could possibly buy, a beautiful home, designer clothing, expensive jewels . . . a handsome husband, lovely children, people at her beck and call 24 hours a day . . . and yet . . . I have never known an unhappier person in my life. She had no joy in her life . . . or at least none that really mattered, or that was lasting. If you have ever seen the film, "The Devil Wears Prada," then you have seen her . . . because the character that Meryl Streep played in it is almost identical in personality to my ex boss.

It was quite sad really. There was not a charitable bone in her body . . . all her feelings, thoughts, desires etc. were centred only on one being . . . herself . . . and that is all she cared for or about. In fact she made the statement to me on one occasion that, anyone who knew her would know that she never did anything for anyone without expecting something in return . . . She was the most selfish creature I ever came across and I doubt that I will ever meet anyone quite like that ever again. She was the perfect example to me of exactly what money can never buy . . . class, character, humility, respect, love and most important of all . . . happiness.

Source: bibbity-bob.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

We're invited out to lunch today. We are going over to some good friends for lunch and I'm really looking forward to it. I love spending time with friends. I love spending time with the Toddster too . . . but friends are nice as well. I am sure that Todd must get tired of my chatter from time to time. It's always nice to have times spent with other people and to enjoy all that they bring to the table. Variety is the spice of life!

Here's a quick skillet meal that is perfect for those weeknights when you are in a real hurry and starving. It can be put together in literally minutes and within half an hour you can be sitting down to a nice meal that is not only delicious, but very healthy as well. All you need serve on the side is perhaps a nice tossed salad, and perhaps some crusty rolls. If I'm serving pasta to Todd . . . he better have a crusty roll to make up for it! ☺

*Skillet Turkey Primavera*
Serves 6
Printable Recipe

You can use chicken breast for this if you wish. Make sure that if your asparagus spears are thick and woody, you peel the lower half of each stalk to get rid of the woody bits. Quick, easy and delicious!

1 1/2 cups uncooked bow tie pasta
1/2 pound fresh asparagus spears, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces (2 cups)
1 1/3 cup fresh baby carrots, halved lengthwise
1 cup chicken broth
4 tsp cornstarch
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
1 pound fresh turkey breast slices, cut into thin bite sized strips
1 cup fresh whole mushrooms, quartered
1 (14 oz) tin of whole baby corn, drained and rinsed
1 tsp grated lemon zest.

Cook the pasta to desired doneness using the package directions, adding the aspagarus and carrots during the last 2 to 4 minutes of cooking time. Cook until the asparagus is just crispy tender. Drain.

In a small bowl, combine the broth, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt and black pepper. Blend well and set aside.

Spray a large nonstick skillet with low fat cooking spray. Heat over medium high heat. Add the turkey and mushrooms. Cook, stirring frequently, until the turkey is lightly browned and no longer pink. Add the broth mixture, cooking and stirring until the mixture begins to thicken. Add the cooked pasta and vegetables, along with the corn and lemon zest. Cook and stir until thoroughly heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Serve hot.

There are some tasty Ciabatta Pizzas cooking in The English Kitchen today.

The Simple Woman's Day book . . .

2012-02-21T06:36:00.004Z

FOR TODAY, February 21st, 2012...

Outside My Window...
It is cool and the sky is just beginning to turn light. I'm not sure what the day will bring. It is still a surprise . . . just like a gift to be opened!

I am thinking...
These last few weeks have been a bit of a mess emotionally although I have kept it together fairly well. Hopefully I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel now. There's always a light at the end of every tunnel. We just have to be patient.

I am thankful for...
Tunnels which teach me lessons and lights at the end of them.

From the kitchen...
Not a lot really, but I do have some bananas that I will need to use up pronto! I see a Banana Loaf of some sort in our future!

I am wearing...
Pink and grey jim jams and my robe and slippers.

I am creating...
I ran out of art paper and so I had to go buy some. Haven't had a chance to create anything since then. I did sell those cookie decals though, so that's good, and who knows . . . it may lead to other work in that direction.

I am going...
I have the daily reading lessons of course, and then Todd and I are going out to lunch with some friends tomorrow. Tomorrow night I have a meeting with my Additional Meeting committee. I have invited them over for a light supper and then the meeting. I still have to decide what I am going to cook. Something tasty for sure. Friday morning I have my hospital appointment. Nothing to worry about, just a check up after all that went on last autumn. I had the blood tests yesterday. You should see the nice BIG bruise she left on my arm. It's enormous and very nasty looking. I've never had that happen before. When I first got home it was like a lump, but it has now spread out.
I am reading...

Say When, by Elizabeth Berg

'He felt his stomach tighten, his heart begin to race. The coffeemaker beeped, signalling its readiness, and Ellen got up and poured two mugs. She set one in front of Griffin, one in front of herself. Griffin watched the steam rise up and curl back on itself, then dissipate. He said quietly, "I'm not going anywhere." "Pardon?" "I said, I'm not going anywhere. I'm not moving." She nodded. "I see. Well, I can't. I have to be here to take care of Zoe." Griffin pictured his daughter, a redheaded beauty who would knock the stuffing out of any man who crossed her. "All right, you can stay, too," he told Ellen. "Griffin. One of us has to go."

In Say When, Elizabeth Berg negotiates perfectly the fine balance between humour and poignancy as she charts the days and nights of a family whose normal life has been shattered. Told from the point of view of a man who goes overnight from being a husband to becoming his wife's roommate, this is a gripping and heartfelt story. I have only just begun to read it over the past few nights and I am really enjoying it. But then . . . I love everything Elizabeth Berg writes! The language that the husband leaves a bit much to be desired at times . . . which is sort of disappointing, but then I guess she is writing it from a man's perspective and also a worldly one. Just coz I don't swear doesn't mean nobody else does! I just skip over those words.

I am hoping...
That everything goes well on Friday.

I am hearing...
Nothing much. Mitzie is snoring away on the sofa. The keys are tapping. All is quiet outside . . . the birds are waking up so a bit of chirping and the odd car that drives by. A very normal, ordinary, everyday start to the day.

Around the house...

Source: greenwellies.tumblr.com via Marie on Pinterest

I have a particular fondness for blue and white china . . . especially this pattern that I found on Berry Red. I have been able to collect a few bits and pieces. It's a part of the Green Gate Collection, Faye White. I just love it. I have two egg cups and spoons and a couple of the tea towels as well. I also have some of the red and white in the same collection, two big cups, which are just the perfect size for soup and Todd loves his hot chocolate in them.

I don't know why I love blue and white china so much . . . I just do. When I was married before I collected a whole service for 12 of the Blue Willow dishes. They were selling it at the grocery store back home, a different piece each week, at a discount if you spent over a certain amount on groceries. With such a large family, that was never a problem for me. I had 12 plates, 12 bowls, 12 sandwich plates and was beginning to work on the extra bits . . . then we split up . . . and the rest is history.

If I could change one thing it would be...
I really would have loved to have been able to have a family with Todd. Sometimes I sit at church and I see all the happy families and think that could have been mine if I had made better choices in my younger years. I didn't though, for whatever reasons and my life is what it is, and I am happy with it. It would have been nice to have a family together though . . . that is something we missed out on.

I am looking forward to ...
Spring, spring, spring!!! Who isn't??? Tis that time of year when we all get a bit weary of winter isn't it? We can't really complain though . . . winter hasn't been all that bad this year, at least not where I live at any rate!!

One of my favourite things...
Is writing this day book each week. I just adore doing it. It's so nice to focus my thoughts in this way. I wish I could do it every day, but then again . . . it probably wouldn't be as special then would it? Oh, another thing I love is Historical Dramas. Have any of you started watching the New Upstairs Downstairs, series 2? It started on Sunday evening on the BBC and it's a cracker!!

A few plans for the rest of the week...
A bit of work . . . a bit of play . . . and everything in between!! Not a heck of a lot really.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Source: greenlikebathwater.tumblr.com via Marie on Pinterest

The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attritube of the strong.
~Mahatma Gandhi

Sometimes it's really difficult to forgive people we think have done us wrong. The Saviour told us that we must forgive and not just forgive, but forgive 70 times 70, which means an awful lot! Not always easy to do, but we must . . . one thing that I have learned in my life is that holding onto ill feelings and bearing grudges does not hurt anyone but myself. It steals my own light . . . forgiveness helps us to more forward and brings the light back into our lives. It really is the bestest and strongest way to live.

As a closing thought I would like to leave you with this:

"By your thoughts you are daily, even hourly, building your life; you are carving your destiny."
~Ruth Barrick Golden

I just love this . . . it is so true.

And there you have it . . . my day book for this week. Don't forget to hop on over to the Simple Woman to check out the other day book entries! (Or better yet, do a simple day book entry yourself! It's not that hard and I am betting you would enjoy it!

One of the things I always loved ordering in a restaurant back home was the club sandwich. We used to go to a diner in Houlton, Maine called the Elm Tree Diner and they had fab food. I loved their club sandwiches and they always came with a lovely side order of delicious coleslaw. I don't think I could eat a whole club sandwich nowadays. It's funny how your appetite changes through the years. This delicious salad is a way of enjoying all the flavours of a club sandwich, except in smaller quantities! I love this.

*Turkey Club Salad*
Serves 6
Printable Recipe

Your favourite sandwich flavours in a salad! Beautifully tasty!

For the Salad:
2 cups uncooked radiatore pasta
6 slices streaky bacon
2 cups shredded lettuce
1 1/2 cups of cubed turkey breast meat
1/2 cup of cubed Monterey Jack cheese
8 cherry tomatoes, quartered
1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and cubed

For the Dressing:
3/4 cup light mayonnaise
1 tsp sugar
1/8 tsp black pepper
2 TBS milk
2 TBS white wine vinegar
2 tsp Dijon mustard

Combine all of the dressing ingredients in a glass jar. Screw on the lid and give them a good old shake to combine. Place in the refrigerator to chill while you are making the salad.

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain. Rinse with cold water to cool, then drain again. While the pasta is cooking fry the bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels. Crumble into bits.

Combine the cooked and drained pasta in a large bowl along with the bacon and all of the remaining salad ingredients. Just before serving, pour the dressing over top and gently toss to coat. Serve immediately.

Cooking in The English Kitchen today in honor of Pancake Day, some delicious Honey and Raspberry Pancakes!

PSSTT!! The Sun is up now and SHINING! Looks like a fine day!

My Mother's Pearls of Wisdom . . .

2012-02-20T06:42:00.003Z

(My mother and I in Germany, 1957. I was about 2)

When I was growing up there were many things my mother told me . . . lots of words of wisdom and advice. Most times I paid strict attention. I do confess however, that there were other times that I politely listened, but then thought to myself afterwards . . . wierd . . . what does she know?? Then one day . . . what seemed like many years later . . . I heard myself spouting off pearls of wisdom to my own children, and I realized . . . I had turned into her . . .

I thought it would be fun this morning to review a few of her pearls of wisdom. I am sure that you can probably all relate to at least some of this!

1) Don’t ever leave the house without clean underwear. You never know when you will be in an accident and God forbid you are wearing dirty underwear when it happens.

2) Touching frogs causes warts. I've kissed quite a few toads through the years, but thankfully I've never touched any frogs.

3) Carrots help you see in the dark. I like carrots and eat them all the time. I've never gone without eating them for long enough to see if those words are true.

Source: flickr.com via Julie on Pinterest

4) Fish is brainfood. I like fish. I eat it alot, and I'm smart . . . point proven!

5) If you keep crossing your eyes, they're going to stay that way. We used to have a breadman with crossed eyes. I was fascinated with this. One day my mother caught me practicing crossing my eyes, hence the warning . . . I think though, that she was just afraid that I'd do it when the breadman was around and he'd think I was making fun of him.

6) Don't talk with your mouth full. Having been spattered with flying bits of food during conversations with people that do . . . I realize the wisdom of those words.

7) Don't sit so close to the television, you'll go blind. The probability of dying from some sort of cancer from the radiation is probably more likely, but still . . . I make sure I sit well back.

8) Eat everything on your plate. There are starving children in Africa. To this day I'm not sure how cleaning my plate off made a difference. Was she going to package up all that we hadn't eaten and mail it off to Africa?

9) How do you know you don't like it if you don't taste it? Mom . . . there are certain things I absolutely KNOW that, never in a million years, I am ever going to like eating . . . whether I taste them or not. Snails and squid come to mind . . . I could never get past the "ewww" factor.

Source: flickr.com via Julie on Pinterest

10) Don't get your school clothes dirty. Very hard, when you're a kid, and dirt follows you around like a magnet . . .

11) You have five minutes to pick your toys up. After that, I'm throwing them out. (I confess, I was never brave enough to put this to the test. Toys were always picked up.)

12) These years are the best years of your life. Very true . . . such is the carefree life of a child with no worries or bills to pay . . .

13) You wait til your father gets home. (no explanation needed)

14) If you don't study hard, you won't get a good job. This is sooo true! Pity some of us don't really pay attention until it's too late!

Source: flickr.com via Julie on Pinterest

15) If you don't go to sleep, Santa won't come. Oh, the agony . . .

16) Don't stare, it's not polite. Ummm . . . but it's so interesting mom.

17) Don't bite your fingernails. I suppose it is a dirty habit, especially when one realizes just how many germs our hands harbour.

18) Go play outside, you need the fresh air. (Not to mention she needed some peace and quiet.)

19) Don't slam the door! oops . . . sorry . . .

and the piece de resistance . . .

20) Because I told you so!!

Source: google.com via Julie on Pinterest

Just a little bit of humor here this morning. It's good to laugh at ourselves sometimes! I hope you've enjoyed all the 50's type advertising here this morning as well. I borrowed them from Julie's Pinterest board. I though them very fitting.

I'm off to the hospital this morning for some blood work. I hope that it doesn't take too long as I have a bazillion things to get done today. If I get there early enough, there is not reason I can't be quickly in and out. We shall see!

Here's a quick and easy supper the kids will love, and probably your husband too! (I do confess that I like them as well, but shhh . . . don't tell anyone!)

*Chili Dog Enchiladas*
Serves 5
Printable Recipe

I don't know a child alive who doesn't love these . . . or a husband! Quick, easy and delicious.

10 corn tortillas (the smaller sized ones, about 6 inches in diameter)
10 hot dogs (If you can get the all beef ones, use them.)
1 tin (15 to 16 ouncees) of chili (I buy Stag)
2 cups of tomato salsa (I prefer the mild)
1 cup of coarsely grated cheddar cheese (4 ounces)

Preheat the oven to 180*C/350*F/ gas mark 4. Butter a 13 by 8 by 2 inch dish. Set aside.

Soften the tortillas according to the package instructions. Place one hot dog and 3 TBS of the chili on each tortilla. Roll up tortillas and place, seam sides up, in the baking dish. Spoon the salsa evenly over top, pressing the edges of the tortillas together. The salsa will help to keep the tortillas from opening during baking.

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and discard. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese over top. Bake for a further 5 minutes, to melt the cheese.

Cooking in The English Kitchen today, Cinnamon Nut Crispies.

Someone seems to have forgotten that it's winter . . .

2012-02-19T07:20:00.004Z

This is the bush by our front door. I think it must have forgotten that it's actually winter! I remember two years ago this April first, no April fool, this bush was just covered with blooms . . . like a big warm welcome hug on the day we moved into our home here. I think it is tuned into my spirit because it has sussed that I have been a bit low of late and up have popped the blooms just like a much needed hug in the winter of my soul! How can I not smile at this??? It's just impossible not to. I hope it brings a smile to your face too. Happy Sunday everyone!

Poetry Saturday . . . I think of Mother

2012-02-18T06:36:00.000Z

Source: warrengrovegarden.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

I think of mother when I see
Tall chestnut candles on a tree,
My mother always kept a light,
For us when we were out at night.

Source: minlillaveranda.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

I think of her when roses shed,
Their petals on a flower bed,
Like silken dresses spread to dry,
Beneath a breathless summer sky.

Source: thefarmersdaughter.tumblr.com via Marie on Pinterest

The smell of new bread makes me see
The old farm house that used to be,
A place where laughter, joy and tears,
Journeyed together down the years.

Source: flickr.com via Marie on Pinterest

White Christmas days . . . star-studded nights,
The heavens filled with Northern lights,
Warm evenings in the summer time,
An old brass cowbell's homely chime.

Source: 100layercake.com via Marie on Pinterest

I think of her and all she meant,
The grace and kindliness she lent
To every common household chore;
Her welcome ever at the door,
I am so rich in memories
Of ordinary things like these.

Source: flickr.com via Marie on Pinterest

A loaf of bread . . . a porch light on,
An old dog sleeping on the lawn.
~Edna Jacques

Edna Jacques is one of my favourite Canadian Poets. My mother had a slim green volumn of her poems in the old bookcase in our living room. As a child I often took it out and read the words on it's pages . . . they were so beautiful to me . . .

When I left grew up, married and left home . . . my mother gifted me with that book. Oh how I cherished it. It disappeared during one of my many moves during the years and it was like I had lost a lifelong friend. I was able to find one in a used book shop a number of years back and it has become one of my treasures . . .

There is a handwritten inscription inside it's cover . . . it reads simply . . .

"Best wishes Grandma
from Glenn
Christmas . . . 1953"

It makes me wonder . . . who was Grandma. I am sure she must have been a woman, treasured by family . . . with a sweet heart for poetry. Love isn't mentioned there . . . but I can feel it when I brush my fingers across the fading ink. She was a woman blessed with all those things in life that mean the most.

This poem I have showcased here today was my mother's favourite poem in the book. She spoke of it to me . . . how it reminded her of her Grandmother's old house, the house she had been born in, and how her Grandmother had had roses growing by the back door . . . my mother has some very sweet memories of her growing up years spent in that house, and I love to listen to them . . . I have always loved to listen to them.

These are the treasures of life. The small and simple things that money just can't buy.

*Heaven and Earth Casserole*
Serves 4
Printable Recipe

Sweet potatoes make a change from regular potatoes. It may sound like an unusual combination to put together sweet potatoes, onions and apples, but trust me when I say they go together beautifully!!! The original recipe was called Sausage and Sweet Potato Casserole, but I changed it to Heaven and Earth, because to me it epitomizes all the best of both . . . the apples from the tops of heavily laden apple trees, and the sweet potatoes and onions from the earth, and everything in between . . .

1 pound of pork chipolata sausages (I used Cumberland)
3 cups peeled and thinly sliced raw sweet potatoes
½ cup peeled and sliced onion
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 peeled and thinly sliced apples
1 TBS packed brown sugar
¼ cup chicken stock
1 cup grated cheddar cheese

Preheat the oven to 200*C/400*F/gas mark 6. Lightly grease a casserole dish and set it aside. Start browning the sausages in a heavy skillet over medium low heat.

Begin layering the vegetables in the prepared casserole dish. Start with some sweet potatoes and the apples. Sprinkle with a bit of salt and pepper. Then layer on some onion. Repeat the layers until all are used up, ending with a final layer of sweet potatoes. Pour the ¼ cup of stock over all, sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over top, and then put on the lid. Bake in the heated oven for 30 minutes.

Remove from the oven. Top with the sausages and scatter the cheese evenly over top. Bake for another 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and beginning to turn golden brown.

Remove from the oven and let sit for a few minutes before serving. Delicious!

In The English Kitchen today . . . Apple Butterscotch Pudding Cake.

Friday ramblings . . .

2012-02-17T06:27:00.003Z

Source: thriftingforvintage.typepad.com via Marie on Pinterest

I've always been somewhat of a people watcher. There is nothing I like more, in nice weather of course, than to plunk myself down onto a bench somewhere and just watch the people around me, or the people that go by. I like to imagine what their story might be . . . Everyone does have one you know. Some may be a bit more interesting than others. Still others may be a bit sad and tragic . . . but everybody has one.

Sometimes I will sit in the car while Todd pops into a shop (a man shop of course . . . like Halfords, filled with rubber tires and car parts.) Parking lots are wonderful places to people observe as well.

The stories that I imagine are always happy ones though . . . I would not want to visit tragedy upon anyone. Young people are the most fun to watch, especially young girls. Watching them takes me back to my own teen years and all the wonderfully giggly feelings that I had once upon a time . . . the teen crushes and dramas experienced . . . that feeling that everything was at once possible and impossible all at the same time.

Source: flickr.com via Julie on Pinterest

Elderly people are also quite fun to watch. I like to imagine what adventures their lives have held . . . and nothing is more tender or sweeter than old love . . . the sight of an elderly couple, who still take the time to treat the other with love and reverance . . . love is not always wasted on the young. Elderly lovers are a delightful sight.

The sight of young mums and toddlers can take me back instantly to all the rigors of young motherhood . . . the trials, the joy . . . the sticky little kisses and hugs. They are tender memories . . . filled with longing and sometimes regret. I expect that we all feel from time to time that we could have done better, and wish that we had.

At our RS Presidency Meeting the other night we were talking about the recent World Leadership Training and how we all need to step up to the plate and be more observant of the sisters under our care. Often a sister will appear like there is nothing wrong . . . presenting an "I'm ok, all is right with the world" face to all who she speaks to . . . but this can mask how she is truly feeling . . . I know I have been guilty from time to time of pretending to the world that all is ok, when really it isn't . . . and there have been times when it would have been really nice if someone could have seen through my prideful facade and given me a much needed hug anyways, or a kind word. Body language often tells a different story than a smiling face would have us think . . . or believe. We need to be more observant and caring, and to act more on the promptings of our hearts. I believe we will be blessed for doing so.

Source: sundayinbed.tumblr.com via Julie on Pinterest

I was sooooo exhausted last night when I went to bed. I don't really sleep well most nights. I spend hours and hours dreaming it seems, never really falling into that deep dreamless sleep we all need so very much. Last night I was tired to the point where I thought I would fall asleep right away . . . but in reality it took a while because I was probably really over tired! It seems odd to me that I can be falling asleep in front of the telly, so much so that I would be hard pressed to tell you what we are watching . . . and then when I hit the pillow I actually wake up! Does this happen to anyone else???

We are off to help teach with the missionaries this morning, which should be good. I hope I wake up before then! I am feeling quite tired again actually! I may even go back to bed, but not before telling you about this delicious recipe of course! I love pizza, but Todd does not. I don't think he actually even tries to like it . . . but, he will eat this casserole quite happily, which satisifies both my pizza craving and his desire not to eat it. ( ☺ Does that make sense? Probably not!!)

*Upside Down Pizza*
Serves 6
Printable Recipe

If you like pizza you will love this novel casserole, which has the pizza toppings on the bottom!

1 pound of extra lean ground beef
2 TBS oil, divided
1 small onion, peeled and finely chopped
1 small green pepper, peeled, deveined and finely chopped (optional)
1 clove of garlic, peeled and chopped
1 (14 to 15 ounce) jar of pizza sauce (Can use Spag bol sauce if you wish. I like the Napolina Tomato and Basil sauce)
2 large free range eggs
1 cup milk
1 cup of plain flour
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups (8 ounces) of grated strong cheddar cheese
2 medium spring onions, chopped

Preheat the oven to 220*C/425*F/ gas mark 7.

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 1 TBS of the oil and heat til it shimmers. Crumble in the ground beef, onions, peppers and garlic. Cook, stirring for about 10 minutes, until the beef is browned completely and the vegetables are softened. Stir in the sauce. Heat to a boil, then reduce heat to low and keep warm.

Whisk together the eggs, milk, remaining TBS oil, flour and salt together until foamy.

Spread beef mixture into a 13 by 9 by 2 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with the cheese. Pour the batter over top of the cheese. Sprinkle with the onion.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until puffy and golden brown. Serve immediately. Delicious!

Over in The English Kitchen this morning, a delicious low fat Big Breakfast Sarnie!

Marie's horrible, rotten, no good day . . .

2012-02-16T07:30:00.003Z

Source: thecolorsofmymind.tumblr.com via Marie on Pinterest

Have you ever had one of those days??? You know the kind I mean . . . the ones where nothing seems to go right. I had one of those days yesterday . . . or at least it started out that way.

First of all I couldn't get the printer to come on. Nothing I did worked. It was most annoying because I had wanted to photo copy some reading pages for my student, but alas . . . had to skip that idea. (Todd was able to get it working eventually, but not in time.)

Then I decided that I was going to bake some chocolate chip muffins for a pot luck lunch that I had been going to attend. I have a fab recipe for chocolate chip muffins. They are the best. I never have to use paper liners either, they always pop out like a dream. Anyways, I mixed the batter together, gave my nonstick muffin tin a good spray and popped them into the oven just prior to my reading student's arrival. Sounds good in theory, right???

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The oven had been all pre-heated and ready to go when I popped them into it. I went to check on them about 15 minutes later and guess what??? When I had closed the oven door, it hadn't exactly clicked shut and so had turned itself off . . . and the muffins had done their initial rise when I stuck them into the oven but, as the oven had cooled down . . . so had they. I turned the oven back on and thought they would be ok. WRONG. This initial prebake and cool down must have done something to the chocolate chips because do you think I could get those babies out of the pan when they were done??? NO WAY! They came out in bits. I actually had to scrape them out. The birds ate well last night.

Then the missionaries called and asked if we could go with them to help with a service project at a single sister's house. We said sure. We got ready to go and when they drove up, Todd went out to greet them. I am always a bit later going out the door, coz . . . well, I'm a woman! (No other excuse needed!) I went out the door pulling it shut behind myself, not realizing that Todd didn't have his key's with him. I just assumed as he had already gone out that he did. WRONG! His keys were in the house, and I didn't have my keys with me as I assumed he had his. Our front door is one that once it closes, you cannot open it up without a key. It's a security feature.

The service went ok. I really enjoyed getting to know this sister and her children a bit better, but I couldn't help fretting a bit while we were there, wondering how we were going to be able to get back inside our house. Mitzie was inside and I was worried that we might have to wait a long time for a lock smith to come, etc.

Source: elmwoodcemetery.org via Marie on Pinterest

Then Todd remembered that he had buried a key in a plastic bag in the front garden . . . the one that the gas men had dug up a few weeks back along with our daffodils. We used to keep a little spade out there to dig it up with if need be, but someone had stolen it months ago. (It is amazing what some people will steal!) Anyways, when we got home he found a metal stake and started looking for the key. A bit like looking for a needle in a haystack. He had just gone next door to ask if they had a small shovel he could borrow. I said a little prayer and then I tried looking, using a different method of moving the skewer in the mud. Guess what??? I found it!!! WHEW! Crisis averted and we were "In Like Flyn!"

The rest of the day was quite uneventful in comparison . . . really. Thank goodness! I'd had enough excitement for one day. My mom always said things happened in threes and yesterday proved her right. Sometimes it's good things and sometimes it's petty annoyances . . . but a positive person would be able to pick out some good from the annoyances and I did.

Source: funerary-mass.tumblr.com via Marie on Pinterest

One, we discovered exactly what to do if the printer acts up like that again. Two, I learned that I should always make sure that the oven door shuts properly when I use it and that it hasn't bounced open again. (The light on should have been a clue to me that something was amiss. DOH!) Three . . . even when you think you are never, ever going to be able to find something . . . like a key in the mud of a garden which has been turned topsie turvy . . . a little prayer can result in a miracle . . . and a found key. Our prayers are always answered . . . even the ones which we think are inconsequential and unimportant in the grand scheme of things.

Four that even horrible, rotten, no good and impossibly annoying days can turn out to be blessings in disguise. How can that ever be a bad thing??? It can't!

Have a great Thursday everyone!

I was quite relieved a few years ago when Delia Smith came out and said that even she cheated from time to time. I think most cooks have little ways of making things a bit easier and quicker from time to time. As long as taste isn't compromised . . . I just don't see the harm in the occasional cheat . . . like this recipe. Just make sure you use good quality fruit fillings with lots of fruit in them and you'll be ok.

*Cheater's Apple and Cherry Crumble*
Serves 8
Printable Recipe

This makes a large dessert, just perfect for taking to a pot luck! It's delicious and easy to make.

1 tin (21 ounce) apple pie filling (use a fruity one)
1 tin (21 ounce) cherry pie filling (again use a fruity one)
1 tsp apple pie spice )If your apple pie filling is a spicy oen, omit this ingredient)
12 flat style granola bars (ones like Nature's Valley that come two in a pack)
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup sliced almonds

Preheat the oven to 180*C/350*F/ gas mark 4. Spritz a 2 quart baking dish with cooking spray set aside.

Stir together the pie fillings in a bowl, along with the apple pie spice, if using. Spread this mixture in the baking dish.

Place the granola bars into a zip lock baggie and give them a good bash with the side of a rolling pin to crush them into small pieces. Dump this into a bowl. Stir in the flour and butter, mixing all together until crumbly. Stir in the almonds. Sprinkle this mixture over top of the filling mixture, spreading it out evenly.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges are bubbly and the centre is thorougly heated. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm or cold with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream if desired! (Or Todd's favourite, warm custard)

Over in The English Kitchen today I am indulging myself in Noodles and Cabbage.

There is a season . . .

2012-02-15T07:00:00.005Z

Source: weheartit.com via Marie on Pinterest

"To everything there is a season, and a time to every season under the heaven;
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep,
and a time to cast away.
A time to rend, and a time to sew, a time to keep
silence, and a time to speak." Ecclesiastes 3:1

I read a story the other morning about a fisherman. He wasn't just any old fisherman though. This one liked to play the flute. One day he set off for the seashore with his fishing nets and sat down on the rocky ledge by the water. Once there, he took out his flute and began to play. He thought that the fish would be so attracted by the beautiful sound of his music that they would automatically just swim into his nets.

He ended up very disappointed however, for . . . although his music was indeed very beautiful, he caught not a single fish. He gave up, and in utter frustration and disgust put aside his flute, and then cast his net into the deep water. His reward . . . a splendid catch.

There is a right time and a right place for everything, and there is wisdom to be had in knowing this and putting it into practice. You cannot catch a fish with a flute, and playing the flute will get you nowhere if you are supposed to be fishing . . . even if it does sound melodic and beautiful.

Source: idesigniphone.com via Marie on Pinterest

We had a lovely day together yesterday. I cancelled my reading lesson in the morning so that Todd and I could have the whole day together. We tidied up here and then we decided to go to an early movie. We were going to see The Artist. We drove all the way to the Cinema only to discover that it wasn't just a film about Silent Movies, but it was an actual "Silent" movie. I would have still been game to go in and see it as it looked beautifully filmed . . . but Todd wasn't so keen, so at the last minute we went to see the only film that hadn't already started and which didn't require a 3 hour wait . . . "The Grey." It was a film about a bunch of convicts in a plane which crashed somewhere in the Northern part of North America and 6 of the survivors. It has Liam Neeson in it as the main character and he's a bit of eye candy, so . . .

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My prognosis. It was somewhat entertaining, although there was entirely too much swearing in it. Neither one of us was happy about that, but then . . . I guess an aircraft full of convicts would have kind of "blue" air I suppose. The cinematography was beautifully done. The six survivors were trying to make it back to civilization and being tracked by a pack of wolves. I have to admit I thought the wolves looked wierd. You could tell they weren't real wolves. That kind of spoilt it for me a bit. While we were entertained somewhat . . . it wasn't really a movie which, had we a real choice, we would have spent money on seeing. It was a "wait until it comes on the telly" kind of movie.

We went to an Italian Restaurant afterwards and had a hot chocolate, but didn't linger long because there was a family at the next table with a bunch of youngsters and one of them insisted on screaming at the top of their lungs every few minutes. An ear piercing scream that really made you wince. The adults did nothing at all to stop it. I couldn't understand that. It looked like a completely normal child and was certainly of an age that it should have been made to understand that you don't scream at the top of your lungs in a restaurant for no reason, repeatedly. NOT fun at all! We left.

Source: nspt4kids.com via Marie on Pinterest

We came home and I cooked us a nice dinner. We had some lovely Thai Fish Cakes to begin with that came with a honey hoisen glaze. I cooked a few peppers and spring onions to lay them on and that was the starter. Then there were Steaks with a cognac sauce and caesar veggies for the main course. We ended up not having the sauce because I knocked the full pan with the sauce onto the floor. Thankfully I didn't burn myself, or Mitzie! Then of course we had those tasty Baby Berry Custard Cakes for dessert, which were scrummo. We were going to watch Dirty Dancing (my choice) on the telly in the evening, but the missionaries telephoned to say they were coming over and so we didn't. We will have to save that for another time. We did enjoy their visit though, as always . . . and that was our Valentines Day. (Oh yes and Todd surprised me with a lovely bunch of flowers in the morning. ☺)

Source: flickr.com via Marie on Pinterest

Back home in Canada and when my family was growing up I spent hours every autumn putting up pickles and jams and chutneys. With five growing children there was always a use for them and it didn't matter how much I made, it was never enough! I used to get a real sense of satisfaction of seeing all the jars lined up in the larder at the end of the season and indeed it seemed that for a month or so my kitchen smelled of spice and fruit and sweet. It was lovely. I often entered a jar or two into the local country fairs each year and often came up with a winner or two.

With just Todd and I now, there is not much call for a lot in the way of these things, and I do miss making them. I shall have to figure out a way how to scale down my recipes so that I can just make a jar or two of my very favourite things. I do have a great recipe however to make just a small bit of this lovely chili sauce. It's delicious with all kinds of roasted meats and in sandwiches.

*Chili Sauce*
Makes about 1 cup
Printable Recipe

This is a delicious condiment to serve with roasted meats and fish and goes especially well with macaroni and cheese. I like to spoon it over meatloaf and put it in sandwiches as well. You can vary the heat as you like, using your own discretion as to how many chili flakes you add. I taste it as it simmers and keep adding a few at a time until it is just as hot as I like it, without goin gover the top. It's also very easy to double the ingredients and make more if you like!

1 (14 0z) tin of chopped tomatoes
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1 small onion, peeled and chopped
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground allspice
a dash of ground ginger
crushed chili flakes to taste

Put all of the ingredients into a medium saucepan. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat immediately to low and simmer together over low heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens and becomes a dark red. Keep an eye on it so that it doesn't begin to catch. Once it is as thick as you like remove it from the heat and allow to cool. Store in a covered glass jar in the refrigerator.

Over in The English Kitchen today I am cooking a Layered Tuna Bake.

Happy Valentines to my Sweetie Pie

2012-02-14T08:55:00.003Z

(Listen to the music)

This song embodies everything that I have with my love. He is my everything and I am so grateful that we found each other. I am thankful that we are together for now and for always, not just til death do we part, but for time and all eternity. I can't think of anyone I would rather spend eternity with . . .

He is the perfect partner that anyone could ever hope to find. Loving and kind and understanding. I love that we share our faith. I love that we "get" each other. I love that we enjoy each other's company every minute of every day.

We did not get to share the starry eyed, hearts and flowers, special love of our youthful years . . . but we have today . . . and we have forever, and that is more than enough . . .

We did not get to share a family together here on earth, but I know from his gentle and kind and understanding ways that he would have been a wonderful father . . .

He brings joy into my life, and light and love. He brings peace. I love that we share the most important things and understandings together. He is a blessing to me each and every day. He does not mind that I cannot get down on my hands and knees to clean anymore . . . he does it for me, willingly and with love. He supports me in all of my endeavors . . . all my whimsies . . . all my dreams.

No . . . he is not perfect . . . but he is perfect for me.

The Simple Woman's Day book . . .

2012-02-14T07:09:00.004Z

FOR TODAY, February 14th, 2012...

Outside My Window...
It is cool and the sky is just beginning to turn light. They say it will be clear, but cool today. Perfect for Valentines Day. I would not want it to be raining. All the world seems a better place when the sun shines don't you think?

I am thinking...
How did I get so lucky??? I have a lovely comfortable home. A husband who loves the socks off me. A beautiful pup who does likewise. The Gospel in my life. Enough to eat, warm clothes to wear and to keep me dry. More friends than I can shake a stick at. I want for nothing. I have my relative health. I have lovely children . . . beautiful grandchildren. What more could anybody want?? Not much , I dare say! Life is good and I am happy.

I am thankful for...
A Heavenly Father who KNOWS and who LOVES ME! As Angie would say . . . warts-n-arl.

From the kitchen...
All is in preparation for tonight's festive celebratory Valentines Dinner. An intimate Dinner a Deux. Thai Fish Cakes served on a bed of salad with a Thai Dressing to begin. (We love Thai Fish Cakes.) For the main, Seared Steaks with a Cognac and Pepper Sauce. (Man food) On the side, a mixture of freshly prepared vegetables and some boulangere potatoes. (My man is a meat and potatoes kind of a guy.) and for afters . . . well, you'll just have to take a peek at The English Kitchen to find out! You WON'T be disappointed! (Or course you could just scroll down to the bottom of this page to see the photo. Duh!)

I am wearing...
Turquoise nightie, black and white jim jam bottoms, slippers and my robe. Layering for warmth.

I am creating...
Oh, I have been very busy! First there are the two samples I have done for the cookie decals.

She wanted something symbolic of Enid Blyton's The Faraway Magic Tree, and so I did Silky and then a lovely toadstool with a fairy slipper . . .

I have not heard back from the lady to show her though, so I don't know. In any case I had fun doing them.

Then yesterday I was so inspired by my Daughter In Law's comments that I did these . . .

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Moon.

I'll be winging some copies over to my Grandsons, pronto! I hope that they like them. I think I will be putting them into my Etsy Shop as well, to be sold as a pair. What do you think?? I may do a set of girls' as well. We shall see.

I am going...
I have the daily reading lessons of course, and then Todd and I are going out to teach with the missionaries tomorrow afternoon. Thursday there is a pot luck luncheon at a friends and that is basically all the plans for this week thus far. Oh, I forgot. There is a Stake Relief Society Day on Saturday and also my RS Presidency Meetings tomorrow night. Whew! It's a good thing I remembered!
I am reading...

Say When, by Elizabeth Berg

'He felt his stomach tighten, his heart begin to race. The coffeemaker beeped, signalling its readiness, and Ellen got up and poured two mugs. She set one in front of Griffin, one in front of herself. Griffin watched the steam rise up and curl back on itself, then dissipate. He said quietly, "I'm not going anywhere." "Pardon?" "I said, I'm not going anywhere. I'm not moving." She nodded. "I see. Well, I can't. I have to be here to take care of Zoe." Griffin pictured his daughter, a redheaded beauty who would knock the stuffing out of any man who crossed her. "All right, you can stay, too," he told Ellen. "Griffin. One of us has to go."

In Say When, Elizabeth Berg negotiates perfectly the fine balance between humour and poignancy as she charts the days and nights of a family whose normal life has been shattered. Told from the point of view of a man who goes overnight from being a husband to becoming his wife's roommate, this is a gripping and heartfelt story. I have only just begun to read it over the past few nights and I am really enjoying it. But then . . . I love everything Elizabeth Berg writes! The language that the husband leaves a bit much to be desired at times . . . which is sort of disappointing, but then I guess she is writing it from a man's perspective and also a worldly one. Just coz I don't swear doesn't mean nobody else does! I just skip over those words.

I am hoping...
That Todd loves the card I made him for Valentines Day. I do love my sweetie pie.

I am hearing...
Nothing much. Mitzie is snoring away on the sofa. The keys are tapping. All is quiet outside . . . the birds are waking up so a bit of chirping and the odd car that drives by. A very normal, ordinary, everyday start to the day.

Around the house...

Source: lovely-little-things.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

I just love this wall decal . . . and this bed. The bed is beautiful and I love the words on the decal . . . what woman did not dream of being a princess when she was a little girl. Really it is two single beds pushed together, which is how they do things on the continent, especially in Germany and Austria. I love that. You each get your own bed, but you are still close enough together to canoodle if you want. Nobody can steal your covers during the night, but you can just reach out and touch the other's arm if you wish. I don't know how Todd would like this idea though . . . I mean the princess words and the green beds . . . I did order some new pillow cases the other day . . .

Source: achica.com via Marie on Pinterest

Aren't they pretty!!! They have white organza ruffles on the edges and white daisy embroidery trim. I do so love pretty things . . .

If I could change one thing it would be...
That my ex husband's wife's heart would soften and I would be able to be with my daughter on the morning of her wedding in July. I would love to be able to help her put on her dress and share some tender thoughts with her. It is really breaking my heart that she has banned me from doing so . . . I don't understand it. Would she not want to be with her daughter in the same situation?? Her daughter got married several years ago and I am sure it was a very special time for them on the morning. I was not able to get home to my other daughter's wedding at all, and I really can't afford to be going this time, but after having missed our Amanda's wedding I decided that I could not afford to miss any more weddings . . . and so we are going no matter how much it costs . . . I just wish things were a bit different. I am looking foward to my baby girl finally being able to marry her one true love . . . but I am not looking forward to the rest of it and being made to feel like an interloper . . . that part I could very easily give up.

I am looking forward to ...
I see each day as a gift just waiting for me to unwrap it. I wonder what I will find beneath the wrappings today??? Something good for sure. There is good in every day if you have the eyes and heart to look for it.

One of my favourite things...
Is sharing my love of the Gospel with people who want to listen. I just love my Heavenly Father and my Saviour. I want to share that love with the world.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
A bit of work . . . a bit of play . . . and everything in between!! Not a heck of a lot really.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Source: tineye.com via Julie on Pinterest

I breathed a song iinto the air,
It fell to earth . . . I know not where,
For who has sight so keen and strong,
That it can follow the flight of song . . .
The song from beginning to end,
I found again in . . . the heart of a friend.
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

We must treasure our friends. I like to think of them as family we get to pick for ourselves. I love this picture thought. That is a friend indeed. Real friends enjoy looking silly together.

As a closing thought I would like to leave you with this:

"Duty makes us do things well, but love makes us do them beautifully."
~Rev. Phillip Brooks

I just love this . . . it is so true.

And there you have it . . . my day book for this week. Don't forget to hop on over to the Simple Woman to check out the other day book entries! (Or better yet, do a simple day book entry yourself! It's not that hard and I am betting you would enjoy it!

Here's a little something you can make your sweetie pies for breakfast on this Valentines Day! I just know they will love them. Who wouldn't! You can use refrigerated crescent roll dough if you really want to be quick about it, but I have chosen to use homemade biscuit dough simply because homemade is always better in my books.

*Cheery Cherry Breakfast Buns*
Makes 12 rolls
Printable Recipe

Quick, easy and delicious. You can vary the flavour if you wish, using a different jam such as seedless raspberry or apricot, blueberry, strawberry, etc.

1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened and cut into bits
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/8 tsp almond extract
1 free range egg yolk
1 recipe of biscuit dough
1/4 cup of cherry preserves
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tsp water

Preheat the oven to 190*C/375*F/ gas mark 5. Spray a regular sized muffin tin with cooking spray. Set aside.

Place the granulated sugar and almonds into a food processer. Blitz for about 30 seconds, until the almonds are finely ground. Add the cream cheese, vanilla, almond and egg yolk. Process for several seconds until well blended.

On a lightly floured surface pat or roll the biscuit dough into a 12 by 9 inch rectangle. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the dough evenly, then carefully roll into a log, beginning from the long side. Wrap and chill for 15 minutes. Take out from the refrigerator and cut with a sharp knife into 12 slices. Place each slice, cut side up into one of the prepared muffin cups.

Bake for about 15 minutes in the preheated oven, until light golden brown. Remove from the oven. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, make an indentation into the centre of each. Fill with 1 tsp of cherry preserves. Return the pan to the oven and bake for about 5 minutes longer, or until golden brown. Run a knife around the edge of each muffin cup to loosen. Remove from the cups and place on a wire rack to cool somewhat.

Whisk together the powdered sugar and water together until smooth. Drizzle this over top of the warm buns. Serve warm or cool. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.

Cooking in The English Kitchen today some delicious Baby Berry Custard Cakes, just in time for Valentines Day!

Things that bring me joy. . .

2012-02-13T06:44:00.005Z

Source: stylemepretty.com via Marie on Pinterest

While you're waiting for tomorrow,
Get the best out of today.
While you're waiting for the sunshine
Don't complain of skies of grey.
While you wait for future pleasures
Don't forget the ones you've had.
Call to mind the things enjoyed,
The happy times, not the sad.

While you're waiting for the granting
Of the wish you hold most dear,
Don't lose sight of all the joys
That life offers now and here.
Times of waiting can be fruitful
And to you, much good can bring.
Make the winter yield a blessing
While you're waiting for the spring.
~Patience Strong

I was thinking this morning about all the wonderful things that I have in my life, despite the aches and pains that I suffer with from time to time . . . it is far better to dwell on the good in life rather than the bad . . .

Source: smg.photobucket.com via Marie on Pinterest

Like sweet little comments left by a lovely daughter in law . . . that bring a smile to my face and warmth to my heart. My daughter of my heart Anne left some lovely comments on my Twinkle Twinkle post . . . a post which also inspired her to create a lovely video for me of the boys (lil G and lil L) singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star for me as well as their own version, entitled Twinkle Twinkle Little Moon. Oh my but that did bring such joy into this grandmother's heart.

Things like little texts occasionally from my middle son . . . which simply say, "I love you mom." No other words are needed. It is enough to know that right there . . . in the middle of a busy day . . . he took the time to let me know that he was thinking about me in this very special way . . .

Source: faithfulnessfarm.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

Stolen glimpses of a granddaughter, not yet met or held (yes, I am a FB picture thief) . . . but who has already got me wrapped around her little finger. What is it about grandchildren??? They don't have to do a thing . . . just be . . . and your heart is lost forever . . .

Getting called together with my Todd as Ward Missionaries. I have a missionary's heart and to know that Heavenly Father can see this in me as well . . . oh what a wonderful feeling that is. I love the Gospel, and it is something which I truly love to share with others . . . an awesome mantle to wear. I am truly humbled by the call . . . and as pleased as punch. I have so wanted to serve a mission for a number of years now, and whilst I know this is not quite the same as leaving home to go on a mission . . . it is a two year call, and I know we will do our best and enjoy every minute of it. Getting to do this with my husband is surely the icing on a very delicious cake.

Source: mywonderfullymade.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

Sitting on the sofa, together with my Todd and our Mitzie curled up between us. She is in her little piece of heaven on earth, sheltered between our two warm bodies . . . and we are in our own little piece of heaven, the three of us a family. We know we are where we are supposed to be, and there is so much joy felt in our hearts in this easy companionship and circle of love. This is what life is all about.

Love . . . it is the oil that keeps our engines running smoothly . . . the great motivator that helps to keep us putting one foot in front of the other . . . the thing that everyone longs to hold . . . the greatest treasure to be found in this life of ours, more precious than any gold or silver . . . the gift which brings immeasurable joy . . . and the gift which inspires you to give . . . the desire to pass it along . . .

Source: Uploaded by user via Marie on Pinterest

Nobody knows what tomorrow brings . . . or where this life will take us. One thing we can count on though . . . is that joy is there in our every day, free for the taking . . . and that those who are truly happiest are those who have looked for and found a way to serve.

It's in the small and simple things . . . and it is the embodiment of love.

"Love wasn't put in your heart there to stay . . . love isn't love til you give it away . . ."
~unknown

Simple thoughts this morning. Hope your day is blessed and filled with little pockets of joy and love . . . don't forget to pass it along!

Here's a meal that my meat and potatoes loving husband just adores. I confess . . . I DO love it too!

*Pot Roast with Root Vegetables*
Serves 8

Tender and flavourful pot roast of beef, baked with delicious sweet potatoes, carrots and parsnips.

1 TBS vegetable oil
1 boneless 3-3/12 pound roast beef for pot roasting (silverside, rolled brisket, chuck)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
2 cups beef broth
2 TBS molasses
1 tsp dried thyme leaves
2 medium dark orange sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2 inch pieces
3 medium parsnips, peeled and cut into 1 inch thick slices
2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1 inch thick slices
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup water

Preheat the oven to 180*C/350*F/ gas mark 4. Heat the oil in a 12 inch nonstick frying pan. Add the roast and brown it on all sides. Place the roast in the centre of an ungreased shallow roasting pan. sprinkle with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Add the onion to the pan drippings. Cook, stirring, over medium heat until tender. Stir in the broth, molasses and thyme. Bring to the boil. Boil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour the mixture over the roast. Cover tightly with foil.

Bake for 1 hour. Loosen the foil and place the vegetables into the roaster around the meat. Recover and bake for an additional 1 to 1 1/4 hours longer, until the meat and vegetables are fork tender, removing the foil completely during the last 25 minutes.

Remove the roast and vegetables to a heated platter. Cover loosely to keep warm. Pour the pan juices into a saucepan. Whisk together the flour and water until smooth. Gradually stir this into the pan juices. Bring the pan juices/flour/water mixture to the boil over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and is smooth. Boil for one minute longer.

Cut the roast into slices to serve. Serve on heated plates with some of the vegetables on the side and the gravy spooned over top. Mashed potatoes go very well with this.

Baking in The English Kitchen today some delicious Herbed Oatmeal Pan Rolls.

Poetry Saturday . . . The Star

2012-02-11T06:31:00.005Z

Source: baulabuela.wordpress.com via Marie on Pinterest

Twinkle, Twinkle, little star
How I wonder what you are!
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky.

Source: pascalcampion.com via Marie on Pinterest

When the blazing sun is gone,
When he nothing shines upon,
Then you show your little light,
Twinkle, twinkle, all the night.

Source: lucette.tumblr.com via Marie on Pinterest

Then the traveller in the dark,
Thanks you for your tiny spark,
He could not see which way to go,
If you did not twinkle so.

Source: klimtbalan.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

In the dark blue sky you keep,
And often through my curtains peep,
For you never shut your eye,
Til the sun is in the sky.

Source: klimtbalan.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

As your bright and tiny spark,
Lights the traveller in the dark . . .
Though I know not what you are,
Twinkle, twinkle, little star.
~Jane Taylor

Source: darkallyways.tumblr.com via Marie on Pinterest

You know my whole life I have been singing "Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star," and until this morning I never realized that there were more verses or even knew who wrote it. I had always thought it was just a little child's nursery rhyme.

It actually is an early nineteenth-century English poem, first published in 1806 in Rhymes for the Nursery, a collection of poems by Jane Taylor and her sister Ann. Born in 1783, Jane wrote the poem at the age of 23. You can read more about her here, on the wikepedia page. It's all very interesting and tragic. She died at the young age of 40 of breast cancer. I wonder how they know things like that . . . amazing to me.

The Wiggles for your amusement.

At any rate that is my poem for today! Oh, I do so love poetry, don't you?? I also love all these starry pieces of artwork that I have showcased here this morning as well. You can click on the source links at the bottom of each piece and see more of the work of these very talented artists. I am hoping to get into my artroom at some point today myself. (Fingers crossed!)

Here's another star!! A star in my kitchen in the way of a delicious casserole that we just love. It's a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken and one that my kids always really enjoyed. I have never been to Mexico. I have never even been to New Mexico, but I love anything with a bit of Mexican flavour! Ole!

*Chicken Enchilada Pie*
Serves 6
Printable Recipe

A Tex Mex favourite, lightened up a bit. Delicious as ever.

8 flour tortillas for burritos
2 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 cup cooked long grain rice
2 cups grated low fat Monterey Jack Cheese
1 (15 ounce) tin of black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (19 ounce) tin of Red Enchilada Sauce
1 cup of sweet corn, thawed
1 cup of thick and chunky tomato salsa
2 TBS thinly sliced spring onions, green and white parts

To Garnish: (optional)
reduced fat sour cream
chopped spring onions

Preheat the oven to 180*C/350*F/ gas mark 4. Spray a round (1 litre) baking dish, 9 inches in diameter, with some nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

Cut 5 of the tortillas in half. Cut the remaining tortillas into 2 1/2 inch wide strips. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, rice, 1 cup of the cheese, the beans and 1 cup of the enchilada sauce. Mix together well.

Layer 4 tortilla halves in the bottom of the baking dish. Top with 1/4 cup of enchilada sauce and half of the chicken mixture. Top with 2 tortilla halves. Fill in any empty spaces with 3 tortilla strips. Spoon the corn over the tortillas. Spread the salsa over the corn. Layer with 2 more tortilla halves and 3 strips. Top with remaining half of the chicken mixture. Finish layering with the remaining 2 tortilla halves and strips, the remaining enchilada sauce, the remaining cheese and the 2 TBS of spring onions.

Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until the mixture is heated thoroughly and the cheese has melted. Cool for 5 minutes before cutting into wedges to serve. Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream and some spring onions if desired.

In The English Kitchen today, a delicious Treacle Gingerbread Loaf.

Looking back . . .

2012-02-10T07:32:00.006Z

Source: the50s.tumblr.com via Evelyn on Pinterest

I got a new music cd this week called Be My Baby, The Girls of the Sixties. Oh, it's just lovely, filled with songs like "I Only Want To Be With You" (Dusty Springfield), "Be My Baby" (The Ronettes), "Just One Look" (Doris Troy) and many, many others, some 70 songs in all. Oh how I have been enjoying listening to it as I putter away here at home. Todd's been enjoying it as well. Although in truth I was not a teenager when most of these songs came out, I was old enough to enjoy them anyways and listening to them brought back some lovely memories of my pre-teen years . . . click to play the following video and read on . . .

I can remember seeing the older kids getting off their bus from high school and admiring all the girls with their twin sweater sets, pony tails, bobbie sox and saddle shoes. Oh my how sophisticated they looked to me . . . and the boys with their comb backs and loafers. I could hardly wait to be a teenager . . .

On Saturday afternoons I used to watch a show on the telly called Bob and the Hits. I suppose this was the Canadian version of American Bandstand. All the latest pop tunes would be played and there would be dancing as well. There was also a Canadian Bandstand and on Friday Nights, when I got a bit older . . . It's Happening with Robbie Lane and The Disciples. Oh how I loved watching those shows and dreaming . . .

Of going to dances and wearing clothes like that and maybe even snogging a boy, one day . . . maybe even Robbie Lane!!

Source: adore-vintage.tumblr.com via Evelyn on Pinterest

I already had a pretty sizeable crush on Wally Cleaver . . . and spent many an hour wishing I was someone cool and pretty . . . someone like Annette Funicello or Sandra Dee, who always got their man . . . and who had fun times in the local soda shop, at the beach, or even slumber parties . . .

I had never been to a slumber party . . . but I had a pretty good idea of what was involved. Listening to all the latest 45 record hits on the Hi Fi and playing with each other's hair . . . trying on makeup and talking about boys, boys, boys . . . laughing a lot, dancing a little and eating cool food like Jiffy Pop Popcorn and maybe even ice cream soda's. I had never had one . . . but I knew they must be wonderful!

Source: weheartit.com via Sydney on Pinterest

I wanted a little pink Princess phone and a home permanent . . . I wanted to go to the Prom and dances at the Country Club. I wanted to dance on the beach and go surfing like Gidget . . . I wanted a friend with a cool name like Moon Doggie, and a place to hang out with all my friends . . . I wanted to baby sit. Oh to be old enough to baby sit . . . sigh . . . I wanted to be Haley Mills and go to summer camp.

Most of my experience in the world came from what I saw on the television or from what I read in books or saw at the movies. I expect it was the same with most girls my age way back then.

Source: google.com via Sydney on Pinterest

The early sixties was a special time . . . a time of innocence and hope . . . and looking forward instead of backward . . . if that makes any sense. I remember thinking I could be anyone, and do anything . . . and go anywhere . . . one day.

And then . . . I grew up, and realized that . . . life is not all fun and games, pin curls and bobby sox . . . you couldn't sort all of your problems out in 30 minutes, and that boy next door . . . he probably didn't exist . . . and if he did . . . he wasn't all that cute or all that interested! Oh, I got to do the slumber party thing . . . and Jiffy Pop . . . I went to Friday Lunch Sock Hops at school . . . and experienced my first kiss and holding hands . . . but it all passed by in a seeming flash, and here I am . . . some 50 odd years later . . . looking back at it all, listening to the Ronettes and thinking to myself . . . was it only a dream?

Source: howtobearetronaut.com via Sydney on Pinterest

Thanks for indulging me this morning. I thought in the spirit of the sixties and things in the past I would show you a recipe for a real teen treat this morning! I remember going to my first pre-teen mixed boy/girl party when I was 10. It was held in a neighbor's garage and there was Japanese Lanterns strung across the ceiling and all the latest tunes playing on the record player and dancing and lots of soda pop and things to eat just like this . . .

*Fish Stick Taco Dogs*
Serves 4
Printable Recipe

Something a little bit different to please the teens in your life.

8 frozen breaded or battered fish sticks
1 (8 ounce) can of refrigerated crescent rolls
(8 rolls in the tin)
1 TBS Taco seasoning mix (from a packet)
4 slices of cheese, each cut into 4 strips
3 TBS chunky tomato salsa

Preheat the oven to 190*C/375*F/ gas mark 5. Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Place the fish sticks onto the pan. Bake for 10 minutes, turning once during the baking time.

Separate the crescent dough into 8 triangles. Lightly sprinkle the surface of each with the taco seasoning, pressing it lightly to make it adhere. Turn over so that the taco seasoning is on the bottom and lay them out onto your work surface, seasoning side down.

Place one cooked fish stick on the shortest side of each triangle. Top each with 2 strips of the cheese and 1 tsp of the tomato salsa. Starting with the shortest side of the triangle, roll up the dough around the fish stick. Place cheese side up onto the same baking sheet that you have already used.

Return to the oven and bake for an additional 12 to 15 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Serve hot.

Note: A bowl of tomato soup on the side goes very well.

You have choice in The English Kitchen today!

Frozen Lemon Souffle

or Sauteed Potato Gnocchi with Egg

Having a list of dreams . . .

2012-02-09T07:20:00.003Z

Source: flickr.com via Marie on Pinterest

A wise man was known to be writing a book, but the years went by and he was still a long way from reaching the last page. One day, when he was very old, a young man asked him if he was not impatient to see it completed.

The old man smiled. “All my life it has been my ambition to finish writing my book, but an ambition realized is like a snowflake in a warm hand. Take away my dream, and what would I have left?”

When he died, his pen was still in his hand, the unfinished manuscript in front of him. It is said he was smiling happily.

If the story has a moral, it is this: Don’t take away people’s hopes and dreams. Often they are the most precious things in their lives.

Source: flickr.com via Marie on Pinterest

When I first read this story, I thought how sweet . . . but then, when I really started thinking about and pondering the words I thought . . . how sad. This poor man was so wrapped up in pursuing his dream, that he never ever really accomplished it. All his life and his work was in vain.

I have hopes and dreams, and I have more than one! I find them inspiring and they do give me hope, and everyone needs that. I like to think however, that once accomplished, these dreams and hopes will be replaced with other ones. I have a list that I keep on the computer. It is called Marie’s Dream list. Yesterday I was looking at it, and I realized that, out of 12 items on the list, I have already accomplished four!!! To me that’s amazing, and it brings me even more hope! I’m a third of the way through my list! I think it is also something which is called a bucket list . . . or a list of things you would like to accomplish or see before you die.

Source: flickr.com via Marie on Pinterest

I think if we keep our hopes and dreams realistic, then there is more chance of them coming to fruition. And what are hopes and dreams for, if they never have any chance of coming true? People do need hope, and they need dreams. These are often the driving forces in our lives. The things that keep us going. But if they can never be achieved, and always lie outside of our grasp, they might well end up being the very things that serve to bring us down!

I would inspire you all to make yourself a dream or a bucket list. Fill it with pictures of the things you hope for. Look at it often and visualize yourself living within the grasp of these hopes and dreams. I dare say that it won’t be too long before, like me, you are able to strike some of them off your list . . . as they will already have come true. The nice thing about that is you get to replace them with new ones, and not to coin a famous phrase or anything, but . . . “That’s a good thing.”

Source: flickr.com via Marie on Pinterest

I am so late getting up this morning. I don't think I slept barely a wink last night. I spent the whole night in a dream state just below consciousness! Crazy dreams too! The last one I had was about crocodiles in ponds (In my father's bedroom) and baby mice, which were running about and getting eaten by cats. Not sure what it all means, but . . . they were white mice with pink eyes!! Crazy stuff!

Here's a tasty pasta dish that will have your family drooling and sitting about the table in great anticipation!! I also make another version of these which has a taco filling. Both are very popular!

*Stuffed Pasta Shells*
Serves 8
Printable Recipe

Pasta shells stuffed with a delicious meat and three cheese filling. It does make rather a lot, so I usually divide it into two casseroles and freeze one for another time. Be sure to cook your shells only to al dente (Still slightly firm). This makes them a lot easier to fill and means that they won't over cook during the baking.

24 uncooked extra large pasta shells
1 pound extra lean ground beef
fine sea salt, black pepper and garlic powder to taste
1 large jar (26 ounces) chunky spaghetti sauce
1/4 cup water
1 container of chive and onion cream cheese (8 ounce)
1 1/2 cups shredded Italian blend cheese (6 ces)
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
1 large free range egg
1 to 2 TBS chopped fresh flat leaf parsley to garnish, if desired

Preheat the oven to 180*C/350*F/ gas mark 4. Cook and drain pasta as directed on the package for al dente pasta. Set aside.

Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium high heat, seasoning with some salt, pepper and garlic powder. Cook until browned thoroughly, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Drain off any fat or liquid that may accumulate and allow to cool slightly, about 5 minutes.

Mix the pasta sauce and water in a large bowl. Place one cup of it into the bottom of an ungreased 13 by 9 inch glass baking dish. Mix together the cream cheese, 1 cup of the Italian cheese blend, the Parmesan cheese, egg and ground beef in a medium bowl. Mix well together. Spoon heaping tablespoons of the mixture into each cooked pasta shell. Arrange the stuffed shells over the sauc ein the baking dish. Pour the remaining sauce over top of the shells, covering them completely. Cover the dish with foil.

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until bubbly and the filling has set. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of Italian Cheese blend. Bake for 10 minutes longer, or until the cheese has melted. Sprinkle with the parsley just prior to serving, if using.

Cooking in The English Kitchen today, Heuvos Rancheros! Ole!!

Looking for love . . .

2012-02-08T07:34:00.004Z

Source: flickriver.com via Marie on Pinterest

I don’t think there is one of us that doesn’t have an idea or vision of what we think the perfect love is. There are even some of us that feel that . . . at the very least . . . this is something that each person deserves in life . . . our God given right as it were.

We fantasize about having a relationship without any arguments . . . chock full of warmth and understanding, containing total co-operation and a complete and utter propensity for tenderness. There are no negatives at all.

There are lots of us that spend a great deal of time measuring what we really have against our dreams of what we think we should have . . . and feeling sorry for ourselves because it’s totally lacking . . . and not what we ended up with at all.

Source: flickr.com via Marie on Pinterest

I have known people to become so obsessed with finding this perfect person, this perfect relationship . . . that they have left their homes and families in pursuit of it and seeing their pursuit of happiness as their right.

They wander aimlessly through life searching and never finding, discarding lover after lover in their tireless search for their true ideal. If you were to ask them what they are so desperately searching for in a relationship, their answer would be that they are looking for true love. But . . . in reality, they have no idea of what true love really is. Perhaps, at the end of the day, the only person they would truly be happy with . . . would be themselves.

Source: flickr.com via Marie on Pinterest

In reality there is no such thing as perfect love here on earth . . . only human love. And . . . because we are all human . . . we are bound to fall short of the mark of being perfect . . . and loving perfectly.

We will each make mistakes, each lose our tempers from time to time and yes . . . we will, each of us . . . be argumentative, stubborn, selfish, less than entertaining . . . you name it . . . full of warts, from time to time. None of us is perfect, and none of us can love perfectly. We can only do our best and hopefully we will find a partner in life that will do their best in return. That’s as much as any one of us can expect and probably much more than most of us deserve!

I had a list of qualities which I was seeking in a man when I was looking for a new partner in life, all those years ago . . . but Mr. Perfect wasn’t on it. I think I got my wish! Oh I do love the Toddster! He may not be perfect . . . but he’s perfect for me, and that, my dear friends, suits me to a "T!"

Here's a real favourite thing that I make for my Todd. He loves carrot cake and anything with a bit of spice in it. These scones go down a real treat with a hot cuppa for elevenses or an afternoon teatime treat. I like that you only have to mix them up and then drop them on the pan before baking . . . but of course if you are looking for a more structured shape, you can pat them out into a circle and cut into wedges. They are delicious no matter how you shape them!

*Carrot Cake Drop Scones*
Makes 8
Printable Recipe

Your favourite cake . . . in a scone! The perfect teatime treat. You can bake these in wedges as well. Just pat the dough into a circle and cut into wedges before baking. Dropping is so much easier though.

For the scones:
2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
pinch ground cardamom
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup cold butter, cut into bits
1/3 cup heavy cream (whipping or double)
1 cup finely grated raw peeled carrot (about 1 1/2 medium sized carrots)
1/2 cup golden raisins
1 large free range egg

For the glaze:
1/2 cup icing sugar
2 TBS heavy cream or milk
amall pinch each ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cardamom

Preheat the oven to 200*C/400*F/ gas mark 6. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, spices and salt in a large bowl. Drop the butter into the bowl and cut in using a pastry blender or by using the round blade of two knives and criss crossing them, until the mixture looks like fine bread crumbs. Stir in the cream, carrots, raisins and egg until the dough leaves the side of the bowl and forms a ball.

Drop the dough two inches apart on the baking sheet, using heaped tablespoons. Press slightly.

Bake in the heated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until light golden brown. Immediately remove to a wire rack to cool to warm. Drizzle with the spice glaze and serve.

To make the spice glaze, whisk all of the ingredients together until smooth. Delicious!!

Over in The English Kitchen today, some dangerous Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups!

The Simple Woman's Day book . . .

2012-02-07T06:33:00.002Z

FOR TODAY, February 7th, 2012...

Outside My Window...
All is calm, and dark, and very, very foggy!! We went to visit an elderly friend of ours last evening and thankfully it was only a few streets over because the fog was so thick one could scarce see in front of the face! That's February for you!

I am thinking...
In our church we set aside one evening a week for Family Home Evening. This is a time for a family to do something together which will draw them closer together as a family and uplift them. Monday evenings are the suggested evening, but you can choose whichever evening works best for you as a family. Monday has always worked for us. For the past two Monday's we have been watching the Work & The Glory films. (There are three of them.) They are based on Gerald Lund's series of books entitled the same (The Work and The Glory, there are 9 volumes.) We've also each read the books about 3 times. We enjoy them both immensely. The movies are entertaining and the books are real page turners. Last night when we were watching the second film (American Zion) my heart was really touched by the trials that the early Saints went through in their search to find a place in America where they could worship and live without persecution and in safety. I found myself feeling so very grateful for all that they endured in those early years of the church and uplifted by their strong examples of courage and faith. We found ourselves wondering if we would have the strength to stand up for our faith in the same way, against such odds. I hope we never have to find out for sure, but I think that I would . . . I know that I would. I have already had to give up a lot to be a member of this church . . . family, friends, etc. and so were I not to keep my testimony strong against ALL odds, the sacrifices would have been for nothing. I cannot let them be for nothing.

I am thankful for...
A lovely warm house which keeps us dry and comfortable, especially in this recent spate of cold weather. We've been very lucky here in that we have not had any snow to speak of, but I know the rest of the country hasn't been so lucky. I worry about the homeless people out there and pray for them each day. It must be very horrible to be homeless when the weather is bad. The ladies' group in our local Ward (church congregation) has been participating in an ongoing charity this year, gathering men's socks, underwear and clothing for a Men's Homeless Shelter in Molde. We cannot keep up with the need. As fast as we bring the stuff in, it is used. I am thankful that all my needs are met and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my abundance with others, if only in a small way.

From the kitchen...
Not a heck of a lot. Sometimes that is a good thing.

I am wearing...
Pink and yellow jim jams and my robe and slippers.

I am creating...
I am busy creating some decorations for our RS Activity on Thursday evening.

I am going...
I have the daily reading lessons of course, and then I have the RS Activity on Thursday evening. Other than that my week is pretty much blessedly free to do what I want with. It's nice once in a while to have an empty calendar!
I am reading...

Say When, by Elizabeth Berg

'He felt his stomach tighten, his heart begin to race. The coffeemaker beeped, signalling its readiness, and Ellen got up and poured two mugs. She set one in front of Griffin, one in front of herself. Griffin watched the steam rise up and curl back on itself, then dissipate. He said quietly, "I'm not going anywhere." "Pardon?" "I said, I'm not going anywhere. I'm not moving." She nodded. "I see. Well, I can't. I have to be here to take care of Zoe." Griffin pictured his daughter, a redheaded beauty who would knock the stuffing out of any man who crossed her. "All right, you can stay, too," he told Ellen. "Griffin. One of us has to go."

In Say When, Elizabeth Berg negotiates perfectly the fine balance between humour and poignancy as she charts the days and nights of a family whose normal life has been shattered. Told from the point of view of a man who goes overnight from being a husband to becoming his wife's roommate, this is a gripping and heartfelt story. I have only just begun to read it over the past few nights and I am really enjoying it. But then . . . I love everything Elizabeth Berg writes!

I am hoping...
That the ladies enjoy our Activity we have planned for them on Thursday Evening. It's an activity based on LOVE . . . afterall . . . February is the month of love, is it not??

I am hearing...
Nothing much. Mitzie is snoring away on the sofa. The keys are tapping. All is quiet outside . . . the birds are waking up so a bit of chirping and the odd car that drives by. A very normal, ordinary, everyday start to the day.

Around the house...

Source: willowdecor.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

I have long admired Scandanavian design and decor. I just adore this hallway. I think it looks so very welcoming and beautiful. I Love the bench, which gives just the perfect place for you to sit and put your boots or shoes on. I love the beadwork panneling on the sides of it and the scrolled back, the mirror, the light sconces . . . the colours! I adore that stained glass above the double doors and the light that glows through it all. It all seems so fresh and warm, and says . . . "Come on in!" I think that's what a hallway should say!

If I could change one thing it would be...
That all my children would be happy and healthy and content with their lives. They have their struggles and, whilst I know that struggle is all a part and parcel of this life we have here on earth, there are times I just wish that they did not have to struggle so very much.

I am looking forward to ...
Seeing what I will get up to today??? I know I am going to bake cookies at some point. Two of our missionaries are leaving for new areas tomorrow and I want to bake some cookies for them as a thankyou and a farewell. I always hate to see them leave . . . I have a special heart for all the missionaries, but then again, I always love meeting and getting to know the ones that replace them, and being able to serve for and with them in any way that I can.

One of my favourite things...
Is daydreaming. I have always been a daydreamer. OH, the wonderful places I go in my head . . . the things that I see . . . the people that I meet . . . it's absolutely amazing!

A few plans for the rest of the week...
A bit of work . . . a bit of play . . . and everything in between!! Not a heck of a lot really.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Source: crumpledenvelope.tumblr.com via Julie on Pinterest

Enjoy life . . . there are no re-runs.
~Shirl Lowery

We only have one chance to make this life the very best that we can make it. It will not come again. Sing like nobody's listening, dance like nobody's watching, and love like there's no tomorrow. Squeeze the most joy out of every day that is yours. Each sunrise and the day that follows is a gift from above. How you choose to unwrap it . . . is up to you.

As a closing thought I would like to leave you with this:

"Who seeks more than he has hinders himself from enjoying what he has.
~Solomon Ibn Gabirol

I just love this . . . it is so true. True joy comes from being content with what we have.

And there you have it . . . my day book for this week. Don't forget to hop on over to the Simple Woman to check out the other day book entries! (Or better yet, do a simple day book entry yourself! It's not that hard and I am betting you would enjoy it!

If you put anything in a pie shell, I am there. I just adore PIE in any way, shape or form!!! This is one of our favourites. Chicken Salad Pie!

*Chicken Salad Pie*
Serves 8
Printable Recipe

Everyone's favourite chicken salad, except in a pie!!

pastry for a single crust 9 inch pie
2 cups cubed cooked chicken
2 cups chopped celery
2 cups frozen broccoli florets
1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans
1/4 cup minced onion
1/2 tsp dried tarragon leaves
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
3 TBS dry white wine (or chicken broth)
1 1/2 tsp lemon juice
1/4 cup grated Parmesan Cheese

To garnish:
8 toasted pecan halves
red grapes

Preheat the oven to 220*C/425*F/ gas mark 7.

Line a 9 inch glass pie pan with the pastry, Trim and flute edges as desired. Do not prick the crust. Bake for 8 minutes. Remove from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 200*C/400*F/ gas mark 6.

Combine all the remaining pie ingredients in a large bowl, with the exception of the cheese, mixing all together well. Spoon this mixture iinto the partially baked crust. Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese.

Return to the oven and bake for 25 to 35 minutes longer, until golden brown and bubbling. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before cutting into wedges to serve. Garnish each wedge with a toasted pecan half and a small cluster of grapes if desired.

Cooking in The English Kitchen today, Cauliflower Cheese Fritters.

Ordinary Miracles . . .

2012-02-06T06:29:00.004Z

Source: google.com via Marie on Pinterest

“The little things? The little moments? They aren’t little.” ~Jon Kabat-Zinn

Every day I find that I am surrounded by ordinary miracles. Small things that bring me joy and might have gone un-noticed and un-remarked except that I have chosen to acknowledge them and give them voice. Little things that touch my heart and make me smile.

The sight of a small white feather caught in the branches of the hedgerow in the garden reminds me of my many feathered friends that live amongst the shrubbery and hedges that border our back garden on all three sides. I think of the wonderful gifts they bring to us every day of their beautiful songs . . . and the delight we find in watching their antics as they travel to and from our feeders. Down south we had many more varieties . . . up here it is mostly just sparrows, with the odd robin and black bird. Occasionally there are a pair of goldfinches who come and we have seen tits on several occasions . . . no matter that they are not exotic or unsual. They please us every day.

It doesn't seem to matter if I have only been out of the room for 2 minutes or out of the house for 2 hours . . . the minute I return I am greeted most enthusiastically by our lovely Mitzie. It is nice to be loved and to love back. When I get up in the morning, before I can do anything else, it is cuddle time and I sit on the sofa and stroke her silken ears as she makes those little “doggie” type of loving noises that lets me know that she is enjoying every minute of the attention and my heart melts. She often lays by my feet as I type away on the computer in the morningsr snuggles next to me on the sofa as I watch the television. Her cuddly warmth next to me is just like a big cosy hug.

Source: Uploaded by user via Marie on Pinterest

I am always on the look out for little gems and gifts . . . the way the sunlight dances across the dry leaves that linger in the garden, the sight of a butterfly’s wings fluttering against the window panes in my kitchen window just as dusk begins to settle in, the wispiness of the clouds in a deep blue sky as they travel slowly across my line of sight, the sound of my Todd's breathing in bed . . . going softly in and out, the silence here in our little terraced house of an early morning as the earth outside begins to wake up, and I hear the little twitters and melodies of the birds in the bushes and the rattle of the milk float as it slowly moves up the street . . .

Source: imgfave.com via Marie on Pinterest

The sun begins to rise above the horizon and bathes everything in it’s special early morning golden glow . . . dry leaves and branches gilded in the crystal glint of a February frost
These everyday things might be taken for granted and often are, if we don’t take the time to stop and breathe them into our being. These little snippets of joy, free for the taking . . . are what makes life so beautiful and worth living. I hope I never stop seeing them, or hearing them, or feeling them . . .

Source: hannasform.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

My left knee feels a bit better this morning. The cortizone must be beginning to kick in. I have been hobbling about like a woman of 90 over these past couple of days. Hopefully today I can begin to move around with some semblance of normality! My right knee is still bad, but I shall give the other Dr a call next week and see if I can get a shot in that one. Then with any luck I shall be good to go for a while at least. Or perhaps I should wait until closer to my trip . . . choices, choices . . .

My lesson went well yesterday I think. I had some good feedback from it, so I felt good about it at any rate. I do hope that the sisters in the class were able to get something positive out of it. That is the goal. Now all I have to do is to get the things done that I need to do for Thursday evenings additional meeting. It has a love theme so all the stops are out for Valentines Day! I was shocked yesterday to realize that it was already the 9th of Feb on Thursday! I thought I had at least another week for preparation! Aren't the months flashing by already???

This salad here today is proof that if you have a few bags of frozen vegetables in the freezer you are never very far from having a delicious vegetable salad at your fingertips. I always like to prepare a salad when I am having company for dinner and these types of salads in the winter time are always welcome. Hearty and colourful and full of flavour. Do plan ahead as it must marinate for at least an hour in the dressing. It also makes a lovely light lunch on it's own!

*Vegetable Salad*
Makes 7 (1 cup) servings
Printable recipe

Colourful and crunchy this makes a nice addition to a meal, or even a lovely light lunch on it's own!

For the Dressing:
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
3 TBS olive oil
1 TBS chopped fresh coriander or parsley
1 garlic clove, peeled and minced
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp dried basil leaves

For the Salad:
3 cups frozen cauliflower florets, thawed
2 cups frozen broccoli florets, thawed
1 (15.5 oz) tin of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced diagonally
1 cup large pitted ripe olives, sliced
2 spring onions, trimmed and sliced

Cut any large pieces of cauliflower or broccoli in half. Place them into a large bowl along with the remaining salad ingredients. Place all of the dressing ingredients into a small jar with a tight fitting lid. Shake well to combine. Pour over the vegetables in the bowl and toss together. Cover with cling film and then refrigerate for 1 to 4 hours to marinate, giving everything a good stir every now and then. Serve chilled.

Note: Blanched fresh cauliflower and broccoli can be used.

There are some tasty meatball recipes over in The English Kitchen today!

February thoughts . . .

2012-02-05T06:37:00.001Z

Source: crushculdesac.tumblr.com via Marie on Pinterest

"Every gardener knows that under the cloak of winter lies a miracle ... a seed waiting to sprout, a bulb opening to the light, a bud straining to unfurl. And the anticipation nurtures our dream."
- Barbara Winkler

There is something about the word . . . February . . . that stirs the heart with an irrepressible joy, however irrational that may be.

Arrows of rain may fall . . . sharp and cold from a wintery sky.

The doors of the North are not yet barred to the possibility of snow.

Source: countingyourblessings.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

But . . . once the month of January slips off our calendar . . . nothing can ever be quite the same again. Little ghostly snowdrops flutter in the grass.

This year . . . the sharp spikes of daffodils can already be seen poking up through the ground, and the camelia bush by the front door is covered with pink tinged buds of blossom . . . just waiting to burst into a riot of colour. It seems that they do not know what month it is, and the mild air that was January has fooled them somewhat . . .

Source: reverberaquerida.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

There is a blue light which lingers on the edge of the lengthening days, and the voice of the February's thrush comes trickling down the wind . . . the promise of sweeter, warmer days to come.

Soon . . . it seems to say . . . soon . . . but not . . . just . . . yet.

With the threat of snow across most of the country yesterday, I was in a very wintery mood and so I painted this little girl with her offering of a cute little snowman. That's the most snow we get over here for the most part . . . just enough to make a little snowman, and only ever very rarely enough for a biggun! We still don't have any snow here in Chester, but we did have a spot of freezing rain yesterday.

I'm all ready for my lesson that I have to teach this morning. I was a bit worried that I wouldn't sleep last night because of nerves, but I did manage to sleep, even if I did have quite a few crazy dreams. That will teach me to watch crazy stuff on the telly before I go to bed!

My left knee is still very sore after the shot I had in it on Friday, but I am hopeful that will soon pass and it will be a bit better. My right hip is popping now . . . I have never had any injections in my hips yet. Not sure that I want to. Todd has decided he is going to come with me to Canada to go to my Daughter's wedding in July as we are not sure I could manage everything by myself. I am relieved to say the least. We can't really afford it, but we'll just have to do what we can. I cannot miss the wedding, and I cannot go alone.

Having said all that I must dash off as I just remembered a few little things I need to do before we go to church. I will leave you with a tasty recipe from my Marie's Muses archives . . . some delicious Vanilla Glazed Apple Bars! Moist and scrummilicious!

*Vanilla Glazed Apple Bars*
Makes 32
Printable Recipe

Moist and delicious apple bars topped with a sweet vanilla glaze.

2 medium cooking apples, peeled, cored and finely chopped (about 1 3/4 cups)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large free range egg, beaten
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp soda
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
14 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped nuts

For the Vanilla Glaze:
1 1/2 cups of icing sugar, sifted
3 TBS butter, softened
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 to 2 TBS milk

Preheat the oven to 180*C/350*F/ gas mark 4. Butter a 13 by 9 by 2 inch baking pan. Set aside.

Stir together the apples and sugar in a bowl. Let stand for 10 minutes. Stir in the egg and vanilla. Stir in the remaining ingredients until smooth. Fold in the raisins and nuts.. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

Bake for 20 10 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean. Spread with the vanilla glaze while warm. For bars, cut into 8 rows by 4 rows.

To make the glaze, mix all the ingredients together until smooth and spreadable.

Over in The English Kitchen today, Valentine Berry Cutie Pies!

Poetry Saturday . . . My Cupboards

2012-02-04T06:42:00.004Z

Source: emilyaclark.blogspot.com via Kim on Pinterest

My cupboards white are very fine,
I love them one and all.
Dressed up in coats of gleaming white,
They grace my kitchen wall.

Source: desiretoinspire.net via Kim on Pinterest

If only all my cupboards had
Been built down near the floor,
Instead of far beyond my reach,
I could have loved them more.

Source: countryliving.com via Kim on Pinterest

My cupboards all are good to see,
They are my kitchen pride;
Although they're much too high for me
I'm glad they're side by side.

Source: google.com via Kim on Pinterest

My cupboard shelves are broad and deep,
And long and high and tall;
Oh! How I wish that they were not
So high upon my wall.

Source: pinterest.com via Kim on Pinterest

One holds my precious dinner set,
One holds my pots and pans;
Another holds my mop and broom,
While others hold my cans.

Source: theinspiredroom.net via Kim on Pinterest

One hides my tarnished silverware,
One harbours all my food;
While at the top another hides
The things that are no good.

Source: tumblr.com via Mindy on Pinterest

My cupboards all are very fine,
Their beauty I adore;
But how I love the only one
That stands upon the floor.
~Ethel Adelaide Allen

Source: theblackapple.typepad.com via Mindy on Pinterest

Don't you just love all the pictures of these country kitchens that I have showcased here this morning? I sure do . . . oh . . . what one could do had they the money, time and resources! Some people are so very blessed!

I tried to find out what I could about the author of this poem here this morning, but came up really with naught, except that perhaps she was Canadian and wrote one book entitled, Hymns and Miscellaneous Musings.

As you know I am a big fan of Coronation Street. I've been watching it for yonks and yonks. I've grown up with it really. The big story line recently has been Carla Connor's rape by Frank and her affair with Peter Barlow. It all came to a head on Thursday evening and the affair came out. Of course Peter's wife Leanne was devastated and the show ended that evening with her getting in a cab and driving away . . . Peter's son, the cheeky little son Simon running after the car, crying and shouting to her . . . Mom, don't go or some such. Oh my . . . the look on his wee little face just broke my heart, and the tears came, and I found myself thinking back to the night before I left my marital home and was tucking in our Bruce for the very last time. He was 11 and I remember his little arms around my neck and him crying and begging me not to leave the next morning . . . oh how my heart broke into a million little pieces . . . I had no choice, or I thought I didn't at any rate. Even now . . . it remains as the single most heartbreaking moment in my life.

I found myself yesterday thinking . . . if you could go back to one moment in time, knowing what you know now, would your hugs last that little bit longer . . . mine would.

*Molasses Crinkles*
Makes about 4 dozen
Printable Recipe

Thick, chewy crackle topped cookies. A family favourite for many years.

3/4 cup shortening
1 cup soft light brown sugar, packed
1 large free range egg
1/4 cup molasses
2 1/4 cups plain flour
2 tsp soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
a small bowl of white sugar for dipping

Cream together the shortening, sugar, egg and molasses, blending well together. Sif the flour together with the soda, salt, cloves, ginger and cinnamon. Stir this into the shortening mixture. Cover and chill for about 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 190*C/375*F/ gas mark 5. Butter several cookie sheets. Set aside.

Remove from the refrigerator. Scoop out bits and roll into balls about the size of large walnuts. Dip the top of each ball in the bowl of white sugar to coat and place 3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets, sugar sides up. Sprinkle each cookie with 2 or 3 drops of water. (This produced a crackled surface.)

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until just set, but not hard.

Remove to a wire rack to cool. Store in an airtight container.

Over in The English Kitchen today, Spice is Nice Plum Cake.

For today . . .

2012-02-03T07:42:00.003Z

Source: holidaycottages-england.com via Julie on Pinterest

Who could guess the century?
It might be any year.
Time, it seems, in passing by
has left no footprint here.
The village with it's narrow street,
The church, the mill, the pond.
The ploughman on the furrowed slope,
The Sussex Downs beyond.
~Patience Strong

One thing that I absolutely love about England are it's quaint little villages and towns. You don't have to go very far to find one . . . a short drive of any one of the larger urban centres will find you smack dab in the middle of one small place or the other . . . each one beautiful in their own right, with a certain charm that can't be found any place else on earth . . . well, that's my opinion anyways!

Source: picturesofengland.com via Julie on Pinterest

I was in bed last night at 8:30 pm and I slept right through until gone 7:00 am this morning. Most unsual for me. I just could not keep my eyes open last night . . . I was so very tired. That happens sometimes I guess. I've been a bit blue lately, which is also not like me. I think that the pain issues and a few family issues have been wearing on me, neither one of which I can do all that much about . . . so they are just things I have to learn to live with I suppose.

I feel a certain pressure sometimes of wanting to be all things to all people. I know that physically it's just not possible . . . but that doesn't stop me from trying. I have all these grandiose ideas in my head, much of which are realistically not possible and difficult to execute . . . but still I dream. Is anyone else like that??

Source: artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

For instance, we are having a special activity at our church this month for the ladies and I have it all pictured in my head with beautiful Valentine Decorations and a wide assortment of pretty Valentine type of goodies to eat. It looks really lovely in my head. There are Valentine swags and mobiles . . . cake pops and crispy hearts all decorated with beautiful sprinkles and candy bobbles . . . the reality will be something a lot different of course . . . because I just won't have the time to do all the swag and decor . . . and cake pops??? They probably won't happen either, although I could probably manage the crispy hearts.

And then . . . when I don't manage to pull off what nobody realistically could . . . I feel like I have let people down, or that I have let myself down. Is that the mark of an over-achiever???

Source: controlman22.tumblr.com via Marie on Pinterest

Then there is blogging . . . most people have one if any at all . . . but I have to have more than that . . . coz one just isn't enough is it? At last count there were twelve that I had started, although in reality there are only three that I post on with any regularity . . . and I love it, I really do. It's an integral part of my day, and I would never want to give it up. I love sharing my thoughts, and my creations, and my cooking with all of you. It is one of the things that brings me the greatest joy in my life . . . but I can't leave it at simple can I . . . I have to go the extra mile. It just can't be a simple thought, or a simple recipe can it . . . I have to try to do something that will knock your socks off. Over-achiever again. I go to several blogs which only have three sentences on them each day . . . three things that blessed their lives . . . and I love them! Why do I think I have to do so much more???

And I do that with everything in my life. And sometimes I just get tired. Sometimes I just need to kick my own arse and tell myself . . . look, you just can't be ALL things to ALL people. You just can't do everything you want to do. You just can't be everything you want to be . . . and that's ok. It's ok to have beans on toast for supper three days in a row because you just don't feel like cooking anything else. It's ok that you are not super mom, or super wife, or super church member, or super blogger. It's ok that your artwork will never rival the accomplishments of Rembrandt or that you will never see your work as cards lining the local card shop. Perhaps that is just not to be . . . that it's ok to be mediocre in some things, spectacular in few things and downright horrible in some. The only thing that really counts is that you enjoy the journey . . . and I do.

It's ok to sometimes be happy and it's ok to sometimes be angry and it's ok to sometimes be sad.

Coz . . . that's just life.

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So . . . from now on you may see a few words from me here each day . . . and somedays maybe even more than a few. Some days it may just be something I made, or something I cooked. Other days . . . it may be nothing at all . . . I'll be taking a nap or two or three . . . and that's ok, coz that's just the way we're gonna roll. But it doesn't mean that I don't love you.

And That's OK.

*Chicken Tetrazzini*
Serves 4
Printable Recipe

A simplified version of an old family favourite.

1 slice bacon, finely chopped

1/4 cup minced onion
1/4 cup minced green pepper
1 cup of shredded medium cheddar cheese
1 TBS cut up pimento
a small handful of toasted flaked almonds
1 cup cooked peas
1 cup cut up cooked chicken
4 ounces hot cooked macaroni
hot chicken broth to moisten

To serve: (all are optional)
chopped fresh parsley
sliced tomatoes
ripe olives
hot buttered toast

Cook the bacon in a skillet until brown and crisp. Stir in the onion and green pepper. Brown lightly. Add the remaining ingredients, with the exception of the macaroni. Stir together well. Mix in the cooked macaroni. Mix together lightly and heat through using some chicken broth to moisten. Serve hot, garnish with tomato slices, chopped fresh parsley, ripe olives and some hot buttered toast.

Over in The English Kitchen today, some delicious Sticky Toffee Pudding Bars.

Thursday thoughts . . .

2012-02-02T06:46:00.004Z

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Faith . . . is it a holy thing which we keep just for special days??? Is it only something we think about when we need our hearts and hope raised up??? Is it something to be added to the joy, strife and pain which is the common stuff of life???

Perhaps it is the secret yeast . . . the yeast that makes the bread of our lives raise . . . the power of God at work in us, that which glorifies homely tasks and daily duties . . . which helps our daily lives to glow and become more what they are meant to be.

This leaven called faith . . . this secret yeast . . . without it we are only lumps of dough, without flavour or substance. We need to tip it out onto our breadboards daily, working it into everything we think, do or say . . .

Where would I be without mine??? I daren't hazard a guess . . . I only know that I need mine daily. It's the stuff that keeps me going.

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Sometimes I lay in bed at night alone with my thoughts going round and round about my head . . . family, health, the economy . . . but mostly just family, and my heart just aches. It is the time of day that I cannot bury my thoughts beneath the quilt of busy-ness, or tuck them into hidden corners. Tears often fall . . . I know I have my Todd by my side, and I am ever grateful for his presence in my life . . . but he is a man. How can he ever begin to understand that part of my heart that is reserved for being a mother and the keen loss that it feels every single day of my life. I daren't talk to him about it . . . he only gets annoyed. He does not understand . . .

This is where my faith comes in . . . I must trust in all the promises of the Lord, and lay my heart at His feet. I know that He shares my burdens . . . always, that He loves . . . always . . . He does not judge me and find me wanting, as the frailties of the human heart might do. His forgiveness is complete and through Him, though my sins be they as scarlet . . . are washed as white as snow . . . let this be enough, it must be enough. As many times as I may beat myself with the guilty stick, I need to remind myself to . . . just . . . let . . . go . . . and yet, my heart still aches. I do not know how to make it stop.

Thank you for indulging me this morning . . .

My latest piece . . .

“Think of the purest, most all-consuming love you can imagine. Now multiply that love by an infinite amount—that is the measure of God’s love for you. God does not look on the outward appearance. I believe that He doesn’t care one bit if we live in a castle or a cottage, if we are handsome or homely, if we are famous or forgotten. Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God love encompasses us completely. He loves us because He is filled with an infinite measure of holy, pure, and indescribable love. We are important to God not because of our résumé but because we are His children. He loves every one of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken. God’s love is so great that He loves even the proud, the selfish, the arrogant, and the wicked. What this means is that, regardless of our current state, there is hope for us. No matter our distress, no matter our sorrow, no matter our mistakes, our infinitely compassionate Heavenly Father desires that we draw near to Him so that He can draw near to us.”
― Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Inspiration for my heart . . . these words they comfort me.

and in the kitchen . . .

*Bread Bowl Meatball Sandwiches*
Serves 6Printable Recipe

Crispy bread roll bowls with a delicious meatball filling! What's not to like?

6 large crusty bread rolls
18 frozen cooked Italian meatballs, thawed
3 cups frozen bell pepper and onion stir fry strips
3 cups Italian Tomato pasta sauce
6 TBS shredded fresh Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 TBS chopped fresh basil or parsley

Preheat the oven to 180*C/350*F/ gas mark 4. Place your bread rolls on a baking sheet.

Combine the meatballs, pepper and onion mixture, and pasta sauce in a large saucepan. Cook over medium heat until heated through, about 15 to 18 minutes. Stir occasionally. Stir in Parmesan cheese. blending in thoroughly.

Place the bread rolls in the oven to heat and crisp up, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the oven. Using a sharp knife cut a small portion off of the top of each roll. Using the bowl of a spoon, lightly press the centre of each roll down inside to form bread bowls. Place each bowl on an individual serving plate. Spoon the meatball mixture into each, dividing it equally. Sprinkle the tops with mozzarella cheese and some basil. Place the top of each bread roll on the plates as a garnish. Serve immediately!

These go well with a side of fresh coleslaw and pickle slices!

Over in The English Kitchen today, something healthy . . . a delicious Buffalo Chicken Salad, with a scrummy low fat Blue Cheese Dressing!