Out of BALANCE!

I will be the first to admit that my life is horribly out of balance right now...

There are multiple days a week that I am putting in 14+ hours at the café.

But it is my dream.
I am living my dream.

And while it is a lot of work, I am loving (almost) every minute of it. I get to cook for people, make them happy. I have a ridiculous circle of loyal customers - that I love dearly - and look forward to seeing every day. I am literally living my dream. Not many people can say that.

I am ridiculously Blessed.

 

But it is a lot of work. :)

And I've completely thrown my life balance out of whack, and am just now trying to make a few lists of what needs to be done to get that balance back in check. You know the saying....the first step is admitting you have a problem. ;)

In my out-of-balance existence I do miss some very important parts of my life.

• I miss reading. BC (before the café) I read multiple books a month.... and I miss taking time to read.
•  
• I miss writing, blogging.
•  
• I missed working in my gardens. (Hopefully they will forgive me come spring!)
•  
• I missed crafting/scrapbooking.
•  
• I miss my yarn

It appears that I've given up the creative side of my brain (aside from the cooking creativity I get to do now), and I think it's time I start giving it some priority. My brain needs to rest. 

So there you have it. I here vow to work harder at working less and doing a few of these things that I love so dearly.

All while living that dream. Cuz that rocks.

Such a long time~

Oh my goodness it's been a long time~ so sorry!

On May 1st, we opened the gathering place, our cafe and coffee shop, and it's doing very well. We have been SO busy! Crazy fun, lots of work, but I absolutely love being there. I love the customers. I love the cooking. I just love it. It truly is a dream come true.

The first two weeks were chaos. I was at the store 16 hours a day. I was constantly trying to catch up. But we've gotten better, I'm more prepared, and we're starting to even out. I open the cafe almost every morning at 5:30, but many days like today - I can come home around 7 for a few hours, to relax, do housework, paperwork, etc.

This morning we are burying my dad.... He died months ago, and the funeral was 2 months ago, but we were unable to bury him due to rain. So today is the day. Final closure. Weird. At 44 I have no parents. But in all honesty, with dad's dimentia, I lost both when mom died 8 years ago. He was never the same. But today it's final. And it's hard to think of.

So when I got home from the cafe this morning, I took a walk through my (albeit weedy) gardens, enjoying the flowers I've received from friends, those I got from my mom, and those we've planted in their honor. With a good cup of coffee, the birds chirping...it was a beautiful way to start the day (over!).

I've not deserted you all. I will get back to blogging. I am sad that I've not blogged these last six weeks, as it's been a crazy ride. A ride I've only just begun. Thanks for hanging with me. :)

the beginning of a new journey...

Less than one month ago, we began a new journey, putting an offer in on the local cafe. That offer was accepted, and thus began the process that lead up to today.

The last three weeks have been full of meetings, setting up accounts, trying recipes, buying furniture, working with contractors, writing menus, and trying to remember to breathe. I have never done anything like this, and have gone through so many levels of emotion. Excited, scared, anxious, and hopeful, all at the same time.

Owning a cafe/coffee shop has been a dream of mine for most of my adult life... My husband and I have talked about many times. But the time wasn't right. Until now.

So today we get the keys! In less than 2 hours I will have the keys to my next journey.

I am an emotional mixed puddle of emotions. So much to do, but so much to look forward to.

And I have to give credit to the crazy amount of support we are receiving in this adventure. I cannot believe the outreaching of best wishes and support, from family, friends, and neighbors. Everywhere we go, we are met by people who are shaking our hands, and telling us they are looking forward to the new cafe.

We have a list of people coming to help as we freshen the place up, re-doing stools, painting, renovating. We have a dozen people due a the cafe at 3 today, all willing to give their time and support.

So as I sit here, taking in this last quiet moment before we load the truck and car with our supplies to head down, I am thinking of so many things - of my mom and dad, guiding me from above, cheering me on - of the amazing community we live in that has gathered around us to help us on this journey - of the current owner and staff, so incredibly helpful - of all of the unbelievable friends that have helped us with furniture, labor, and support - and lastly, of my amazing family, as without them, I would be nothing.

So here we go! Time for a new, amazing, crazy adventure - in this journey I call my life. On May 1st, I will open the doors of the gathering place, a true dream come true. Hope you all are ready for a crazy ride!

I hope you can come join us for a cup of coffee and meal sometime!

It's time

A year ago, I was published in a magazine answering a question about fear.

In the April 2013 issue of Oprah magazine, the question posed was "What would you do if you had no fear?". And my answer:

"I would open a coffee shop in our little

town. I work part-time and on the side

I do a lot of baking and cooking for

friends. I'd create a place that's eclectic,

warm, and inviting, where I could add a

little sunshine to someone's day"

About a month after this was published, I received a message via facebook from a complete stranger:

 

"Please don't be alarmed... I'm just an Oprah 

magazine reader. I could almost feel a calm 

over me as I imagined being in your coffee shop 

that u would open if you had no fears. 

I have a strong feeling that u will be successful! Good luck!"

Needless to say, I was surprised at the message. And that message never left my heart. I wondered if God had moved her to write that to let me know not to give up. That the time hadn't come yet, but it would. 

The cafe in our town has been up for sale a few times in the 20 years I've lived here. And each time, my husband and I have the discussion, but it's never an honest discussion, it's just a "what if". For whatever reason, it never felt right. 

A few years ago, I left the business world. After almost 20 years in management, I put my family and life first, and quit. Not knowing what my future plans were, we threw caution to the wind, trusting that God would put us in the right direction. I have been substitute teaching part-time, and spending a lot of time working at our church and cooking and baking for friends. And it's been an amazing 3 years, but I've felt out of sorts these last six months. Not knowing why, I found myself short-tempered, and unsettled. 

Two weeks ago, I received a text from my husband that there was an opportunity with the local cafe again. And when I asked him if I should call, he gave me the green light. 

Fast forward to yesterday. After multiple meetings with the owner, and our financial advisor, we have an accepted offer signed for the cafe, the down payment is waiting in our bank account, a logo is in progress, and I'm working on menus. It's a crazy thing. 

For some reason, my husband and I felt different this time. The time is right. I'm ready. Ready to have something to dig into. Something to be passionate about. And we cannot be more excited. 

Sure, it's scary. Scary as heck. But we both feel this is right. 

So it is all power forward, as I work with suppliers, menus, creative artists, etc., preparing for a May 1st opening. We will have 3 days to re-decorate, and get things changed over. I won't be able to completely remodel from head to toe. That will come later. For now, it's time to update the menu a little, adding my touch, change the feel and decor of the place, and hope for the best. 

I am hoping that the gathering place will become a destination for friends and family to gather, and to linger over a wonderful meal and coffee. To share stories, laugh, and love life. 

So welcome to the gathering place, to my kitchen, and my heart! 

https://www.facebook.com/thegatheringplacepittsvillewi

taking another step...

Tonight I am taking yet another step in my new journey. Soon, very soon, I will be able to let everyone know. But for now, I simply thank you.

thank you for the kind thoughts
 the support
  the prayers

Without the amazing people I am surrounded with in this life, I would not be who I am today.

My small town life.

People often ask me about living in a town of 800 people, in the center of a rural area. And honestly, having lived in towns from 15,000 to 400,000, I will say at first I didn't think I'd like it. And I continued to commute to a job in a larger town, where I spent much of my free time, for over 15 years. I didn't embrace the small town life at all.

shame on me

Over the last three years, spending the majority of my days and nights in this beautiful little town, I've more than embraced life in a small town.

i love it

Yesterday afternoon my husband and I took a long afternoon walk, noting the spring thaw, the flowers coming up, and progress in our little town of that post-winter wake-up that occurs every spring. The snow thawing, water running, grass beginning to turn green... it's a beautiful rebirth.

I had errands to run today, the first day of spring break at school, and decided to take advantage of the 50 degree weather and head out on foot to take care of my business. All totalled I was only gone for 40 minutes. In that 40 minutes, I returned a book to the library, bought stamps at the post office, picked up the week's groceries at the mercantile, bought my peat pellets to start my seedlings from the hardware store, and met and chatted with the new neighbor who just moved in a couple of houses down.

40 minutes

all on foot (love the health benefit of that)

saving on my carbon footprint, chatting with friends, neighbors, and towns people, and doing my heart good with the walk and fresh air

I couldn't do this when I lived in a metro area. Honestly from where my apartment was, there wasn't ANYTHING I could safely walk to.

So I love love love my life in this small town. I love the people, the friendships, walking everywhere, and feeling like I am living amongst a family of 800 people.

Fun experimenting!

I have a horrible tendency of NOT writing things down when I experiment in the kitchen. But I'm getting better.

This morning I played with my Sunday oatmeal - adding raisins, apples, cinnamon, and flax... and I wrote it down - and will make it again this week to make sure I've nailed it - and then blog on it.

I can't believe that I've finally gotten to the point where I actually cook without recipes. I trust myself. to an extent. And it's FUN.

big changes coming???

You all have followed my journey from the business world to domestic and part-time teacher. You have followed the ups and downs, my questions, and concerns.

And you know through it all I've known that God is in charge, and I need to have Faith and follow His lead.

I think He is leading me in a new direction. And I will know more this week.

Just know that Ken and I are EXTREMELY excited about this new possibility, and we are praying for His guidance, to where we are supposed to be.

I will keep you all posted.

I simply ask for continued prayers, that we keep our hearts open - and listen.

Change is GOOD. It is sooooo good...

God Bless!

Building strong Christians!

We live in a very small town. About 800 people. And our lutheran church - the only one in town - is small as well. Because of the small congregations in our town, all of the churches do youth events across churches. My son is off on a trip with one of the other churches this weekend, at the Acquire the Fire concert in the twin cities. And we had an event last night - where we watched "Last Ounce of Courage" - an amazing movie about freedom, the military, Religious freedom of speech...

This morning, we had several of our youth helping us at the food pantry. It's a pretty regular event - once a month - that our youth group does the stocking, picking, and heavy lifting. This month we had a need for a last minute group to work - and had FOUR kids show up to give up their Saturday morning to help. What a great group of kids.

Tomorrow our town has arranged a bus - to take a bus load of kids and their families - to go see the movie God is Not Dead at our theater - about 15 miles away. And we have a great turnout signed up already. We'll meet, go to church, have some lunch, and then hop on the bus for town.

I love having so much going on in these kids' lives. They are giving back, they are learning to stay strong in their Faith, and they aren't afraid to show it. It's an amazing group of young adults. And it's growing. The youth group continues to GROW! That is an awesome thing.

We are so thankful for all of the families supporting our youth program. And for the youth involved. It's our job - to grow strong Christians ready to fight the fight. And we are having a great time doing just that!

stranded....

I know I have been absent... In the last three weeks, we've had an extended vacation (read on), and my father has passed away.. So I've been a little preoccupied and not taken time to write. But I will be quiet no longer. :)

On Friday, February 28th, our family embarked on a road trip to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. We've been to New Orleans 2 other times - as we have friends there - but this would be the first Mardi Gras for the kids. Our trip down was uneventful, although by the time we got there, the car was chugging and shutting off. We talked about taking it to a dealer that Saturday - but nothing more was said of it. (If only we'd been smarter.)

On Wednesday we reluctantly left New Orleans, and our dear friends, for our return trip home. My 16 year old was planning on being in school on Thursday and my 21 year old was working that afternoon. All that stood between us was around 1200 miles of a road trip. We got an early start - off before 7, meaning we would be home around midnight or 1am. Great timing.

My husband drove the first four hours, and then I took over. The car was NOT sounding good. We decided at that point that we better stop in Memphis and get it checked out. Smart phones were flying as we tried to decide where to go.... until I saw a billboard for a dealer - only a few miles away. I pulled off the exit, and the car died. My husband got into the driver's seat and tried - but there was nothing to be done. We called the dealer and arranged a tow...

You all know that I feel everything happens for a reason. So in my head, there was something that we were being held back from. And it didn't take long to figure that out. We found out at the dealership that the very interstate we were on, about ten miles north, had been closed for three days due to a foot of slush, ice, and snow... people stranded in their vehicles. So we assumed this was the reason for the car to break  down - and decided to get a hotel for the night. With the car fixed, we would head out in the morning. Taking only the things we had in our hands, the kids and I headed to a hotel about a half mile away. I'm not afraid to say it was a Holiday Inn. Because we had the most amazing service from everyone at that hotel, and I'm shouting it from the roof tops.

Unfortunately, we were NOT only there one night. Delays getting a part, and then the shop not working on weekends, ended up stranding us there until MONDAY. Very frustrating at first, but once we had a loaner car, we were able to turn our problem into an extended vacation, visiting some family, the Memphis zoo, and Beale street. We made the best of it, swimming lots, and just enjoying our family time. Frustrated by the costs, and the missed school and work, but understanding it was out of our hands, and making the most of a bad situation.

We did find that everyone around us was incredibly nice. It was like we were surrounded by people who were taking care of us. And for that, we will be eternally grateful.

Sometimes I just don't want to ask questions.....

I am so very thankful for all of the amazing people around me.

But sometimes, I just don't want to talk about it.
I don't want to answer questions.
I don't want advice.
I simply need some time on my own to think and to process what life is doing to me right now.

And then, God puts things in your way.
Things that you need.

A far away friend that can listen, without asking questions, without judging.

A classroom of special needs kids that just simply know how to love. And hug.

And you know, without doubt, that God is there. He is listening. He is holding you up.

I remember... "The Winter of 2014"

OK, I'll say it. I have the winter blues.

And I am normally not that person.

But this has been one CRAZY winter in Wisconsin - 40+days of subzero temperatures, and more snow than I can remember in recent history. It seems like every week the piles of snow are growing!

We had such a LONG stretch of dangerous cold in January that we started going stir crazy. Our new saying became "it's so cold, the air hurts". Cabin fever set in, as we were unable to be outside in the elements for more than a few minutes, due to the dangerously low temperatures and wind chills. I'm talking wind chills of -40, -60 even. It was crazy cold.

And then February came, and to add injury to insult, it just kept snowing....and snowing....and snowing. Groundhog day was a joke, because we all knew there was no way that animal was finding it's way out through the four feet of snow on the ground!

Earlier this week, we had temperatures in the upper 30s, and it was amazing. We were outside without coats, soaking up the sunshine and fresh air. It was beautiful.

And then...

THEN.

The weather man said "the storm coming our way could be the worst we've seen all winter". Seriously? After the winter we've had? THIS will be the worst?

Our moods were deflated like popped balloons. More snow. Blizzard winds. UGH.

Schools let out yesterday at noon, in preparation for the incoming storm. And sure enough, by about 3pm, we had freezing rain and sleet. It had begun. When we went to bed, the winds had picked up, and we had a dusting of snow. When we got up this morning, it was still snowing. While we didn't get the 12 inches originally forecast, we did get a nice cover of snow, and wind on top of it.

Around 12:30, our power went out. I have never been more thankful for that fireplace. The fire, even without the electric blower, was more than enough to keep the house warm. Thinking quickly, I realized that the hot water reservoir in my coffee maker would make one more hot pot of coffee without electricity, which I made, and put into a thermos. We hunkered down for the afternoon sans electricity, reading books, and playing games.

My answer to the power outage: A warm blanket, a cup of coffee, and magazines!

We played a family game of Heroscape, one of my son's favorites, that had been in storage downstairs for years!

We were without power for just over 3 hours. And after hopping on line this afternoon, I found out that our elementary school has roof damage from the heavy snow - cracked beams - closing the gymnasium/cafeteria.

It has been a CRAZY winter. One we will not soon forget. It will be one that we recount to future generations as "the winter of 2014".

Another hard call.....

Another hard call from the Veteran's home. My dad is continuing to decline, eating and drinking less, losing weight, and refusing help. I know that at 88, with his mind gone, this is all inevitable, but it doesn't make the realization any easier.

We made the decision, the nurse and I, to go forward with what they call "comfort cares", doing all they can to make him comfortable, but allowing nature to take its course.

I remember the conversations ten years ago with my parents, that they didn't want heroic measures. That they didn't want to have life if it meant not a quality life. And when my mom coded back in 2006, we missed the opportunity to issue the DNR, and they ended up intubating her. It was horrible to watch her fighting, trying to tell them she was ready to die, telling them she didn't want that. I felt like I had failed her horribly. I am glad to be able to have these conversations about my dad, so that the same thing doesn't happen now....

But it doesn't make it easy.

A morning to catch up

One of the perks to being a substitute teacher is the ability to choose. This time of year is a crazy one for substitutes. Always. And this month I've been able to work every day that I haven't needed off! I've been teaching everything from elementary music and art to high school chemistry and English. In addition, I've been helping the local caterer, and cooking for friends. So it's been a crazy month to say the least.

I have had the afternoon scheduled in junior high math for about a month, knowing I'd have a lazy morning before going in to relax. Yesterday I was called by three different teachers to sub, some the entire day, some just the morning I had free. But I did something for myself. I said NO. I maintained my morning, and it's been a wonderful morning to catch up!

I've made and baked 3# of meatballs for my niece, baked bars for our speaker this evening, and baked off sandwich bread for our house. And it's only 9:30. I crossed three things off my to-do list for the week and it feels great. I'm very happy that I decided to choose me. I feel bad for not being able to help out the other teachers, but in all honesty, I am not the only sub.

So I'm enjoying my morning - having another cup of coffee - while the last thing gets ready to go into the oven.

Time for a sabbatical

I am that person - that is always willing to volunteer, willing to host a party. I am the one people call to vent to, to chat with, and to ask advice of.

And normally, I LOVE being that person.

I am an extrovert. I live for being around others, and gain energy just from being with them.

But my life right now is a bit complicated, and a bit rough. And I need a sabbatical. I don't want to answer the phone. I don't want to get together with friends. I just want to take a little break.

This is not against anyone, it's simply that I need a breath. I need to just go to work, and come home to take care of my family, and me. I need to read a good book.  I need to nap. I need to have the house to myself.

I am being totally selfish. So I apologize in advance. So no need to worry. I'm not doing anything drastic. Just taking some time to reflect, listen to God, and breathe.

I'll be back. Quickly I'm sure. But for now, I'm on sabbatical. See you soon.

life affected by dimentia.

Yesterday was my dad's 88th birthday. So my husband and I made the hour drive to go and visit him. It was a beautiful day here in the north - fresh snow, but clear skies.... a perfect winter day. We chatted all the way there, but as we got closer, I started to feel the apprehension of how the visit would go. As we entered the town, my heart started to tighten and my thoughts became lost. Would he know me today?

Even though I am only 43 years old, my dad is 88 and lives with severe dimentia. I remember the first time he didn't know me. My mom had been gone for about a year, and he was still living at home. I checked on him once or twice a day - to make sure he was eating and doing ok. One Saturday my entire family went in to visit and check in on him. When we walked in, he looked at me blankly. When I told him who I was, he said he didn't know anyone by that name. When I told him I was his youngest daughter, he shook his head stating "I only have five children". (I am the sixth, born 10 years after the last.)

It was crushing. So incredibly difficult. Having only lost my mother a year before, I realized at that point (I was 37) that I had already lost dad, and was without parents. I can't explain the pain I felt that day. And I had no idea if he'd EVER remember me again. We left that day. But thankfully the next time I went, he was fine. He knew who I was, and we had a wonderful visit.

And thus would go the last 7 years. Even since moving to a Veteran's home, he has good days and bad. Of course, the good days are fewer in between. But we know right away, the look of recognition in his eyes, when he knows us. And there will be specific questions, asking about my husband's job, the kids, etc..

Yesterday I had no idea who would meet me. Would he know me? It is so hard to make these visits. And honestly, I don't visit enough. But dad doesn't remember that we come. He will forget before we are out the door. That is one of the worst things about dimentia. He has no idea that we come to visit. So the visits are for me. A hope that I'll get one last great conversation with him. One more story.

I had a card and a small cake for dad yesterday, for his birthday. Unfortunately, it was not one of those good days. He looked blankly at me, with that generic, polite smile. When I told him happy birthday, he was happy to be reminded that it was his birthday. We talked, but he didn't ask any questions, didn't answer many of mine. It was very hard to understand him. So the visit wasn't very long.

I was crying by the time we hit the lobby. It is so hard for me to see him that way. To know that I may never have another conversation with him that feels real. But he's lived a long life, and I know that. It's not hard on him, as he doesn't know anything is wrong. And I'm so very happy for that. He is content for the most part, and we really can't ask for more.

I did take a picture with dad before we left. And posted it on facebook, where everyone commented about what a nice picture it is. But pictures don't tell the whole story.

This picture doesn't tell about the ride home.

The stories going through my mind.

The tears flowing. 

The horrible feeling of loss. 

Dimentia messes with your life. While bodies go on, sometimes the mind doesn't.

God is always at work....

Two times this week God put me where I needed to be to help someone in need.

I am always in awe when I see God working in my life, and especially when He uses me to help someone else! I do what I can for those around me, but in these cases, I did not know the people I got to help. And it is then that I truly know that I am one of God's children, working His deeds here on earth. And it is so humbling. To be used by Him!

Earlier this week, I was able to help someone who simply had no food for her family. For her children. I am so very thankful that over the last year I've been given the knowledge I would need for that day. And the means. I had the means to help her. I am so very very Blessed to be able to help someone like that! When I think of all of the things that had to happen to put me in that place, at that time... it is truly amazing.

The second time was much more subtle. A friend from church needed someone to read for her in church this morning. I was already teaching Sunday school, so it was absolutely no problem for me to fill in. I don't ever mind reading at church. I love it. And today, the only thing different was a couple new to church - people who I'd never seen before. (We have a very small congregation, so it's easy to know if someone is visiting.) After the service, the man came up to me and thanked me for my reading. I hope that through the reading I did, I was able to help him hear something. I welcomed him to the church, and he was on his way. I was struck with how he said it to me when he left. He seemed genuinely grateful for what he had heard in our little church today, and if I could be any part of helping him, what a wonderful gift to me! Again, thankful that I was put where I needed to be, when God needed me.

I know that neither of these seem "big" to most people. But if there is one thing that I've learned over the last few  years, it's that we make a lot more impact on people than we realize. In good and bad ways. I've tried to learn to listen, to see more. I think that God used me this week. To reach two people in need, with very different needs. And I am very grateful to be able to do it!

A typical Saturday morning!

I've been away with the hubby for a few days, and have not blogged in way too long. I've been enjoying my typical Saturday morning. Cup of chicory in hand, and the Food Network on, my son and I have been relaxing, making up the weekly menus (dangerous when watching the Pioneer Woman!), and writing up the shopping list. We will leave shortly for town, to get groceries and run errands.

I have peach crisp in the oven, and made two pizzas up (left unbaked). Friends are on vacation, so we are surprising their kids, who are home on their own (both adults, totally ok!), with some homemade goodies for the weekend. Hoping it will make their weekend a bit less boring!

Really looking forward to cooking this week, and hoping that it will give birth to a couple of yummy blogs for Saturday Morning Coffee with Missy. I'm trying to use up everything in the freezer, as I'm going to Minnesota in a couple of weeks to pick up our half a beefer. So the freezer needs to be empty, and defrosted, before I leave. I love the challenge of doing this (I do the same with my pantry at times, to work through products).

Some of the highlights this week:
Creamy spinach chicken (a freezer meal already in the freezer!)
Baked Ziti (thank you Pioneer Woman!)
Chicken/spinach/feta sausage in a creamy pasta
Creamy Wild Rice and Mushroom soup
Chicken Parm (freezer meal)

Going to grab another cup of coffee before heading out. Here's to a great weekend!

Tough moments in life.

I am the youngest of six children, and was deemed the Medical Power of Attorney (POA) for both of my parents many years ago. When my mother was in her final days, and the DNR (do not resuscitate) had to be issued, it tore me up. Even though  I knew it was what she wanted, it was so hard.

It's been almost 8 years since my mom passed, and  my dad is in a Veteran's home. He has severe dimentia, but other than that, doing just fine. And as his POA, I often receive papers in the mail to sign - papers about policy changes, medication changes, etc. Seeing the letters in my mail doesn't bother me at all.

But today I opened the letter, and it was an update to my dad's DNR order that I needed to sign. And while I know it is his wish. And I know that with his mind gone, it is the right thing to do, it is still something that tugs at my heart when I have to sign it. It makes me pause.

It's not easy taking care of parents. It's not easy making decisions for them.

Growing up isn't all it's cracked up to be.

A day of cleaning and purging...

Once again this winter arctic air has changed our plans, postponing a trip to the local ski hill. Which meant for me, a found day here at home - a chance to do some cleaning and purging.

Am I the only person who feels a great satisfaction in purging?? I love simplifying. I love purging. I love de-cluttering... Today I've been tackling magazines. Going through them, pulling ideas, etc. Didn't have the heart to hit the gardening mags yet, it's just too painful with the two feet of snow and -20 degree windchills. For another day...

We are having our youth group over for pizza and movies tonight. It will be a small group, but a reason for me to get the house cleaned - in preparation for a week of company. Bible study is here on Wednesday, a girlfriend here for the weekend starting Friday, and a superbowl party on Sunday! So the floors have been swept, the dusting done, and the bathroom and kitchen cleaned. LOVE having a clean house, even if only for a few hours. :) I imagine it won't look the same after a bunch of teenagers have been here!

So I have the pizza dough rising, and I have another couple of hours to purge. Onto more magazines!

Love my small town life.

I live in a town of about 850 people. We are approximately 20 minutes from two larger towns, of around 20K people each. As of late, I've seen several articles and interviews with people slamming small town America, stating that these small town areas are useless, with nothing to offer.

I beg to differ.

I've lived in a big city - a city of  just under a million people.

And I'm glad I now live where I live.

Today was a shining example, as I ran errands before the weekend. As I walked into the grocery store, I was able to congratulate a new uncle on the birth of a niece. I was able to talk with a dear friend working there, going through some personal issues. And the door was held for me as I left with my purchases!

I then headed to the library. Was able to not only grab my next book club book, but a new release movie (gotta love that!), and some free magazines that they were purging. I had a chance to chat with a friend from church who works there in the process.

I love knowing the people working in town. I love knowing their families. I love that they know and care about me, and MY family. I know small town living isn't for everyone. But it is for me. :)

The bread machine saga....lightening up the cupboards!

Late last year, my bread machine started to smoke. It was still able to make the dough, but it smelled like it was burning up. Literally. I only used my bread machine for some of the basic doughs - and then would bake them in the oven. Much of our bread, I made from scratch. But I liked the convenience of having the dough made in the machine on days that I was kind of busy.

So for Christmas my husband surprised me with a new bread machine, and the old one (faithful for over 15 years!) was sent to the garbage. I was excited to try out the new machine, and eagerly awaited the first loaf. Imagine how sad I was when it came out with a deflated top. Not knowing what I did wrong, I decided the next loaf - I would simply make the dough, and bake it myself.

I was actually home, and cooking, while this second run was in progress, and as I checked the progress on it, I realized that the paddle and motor combination in this new machine was far from sufficient, and the ingredients were barely getting mixed. Frustration set in. My husband felt it too - and volunteered to take it back and get a different one. But instead, I decided to go without completely. To force myself to bake all of our bread (and for friends) from scratch. It feels good to have one less appliance in the cupboard. Here is to simplifying my kitchen! (a little sarcasm there... read on)

That first week sans bread maker I had to make 4 loaves of wheat bread, something I had always started with breadmaker dough. So I started digging through cookbooks, bread books, and the internet, trying to find a simple wheat bread to make. And while I found one, it was a bit more dense than my normal wheat. So that look continues. Needless to say, when forced to make large quantities of bread, you can never quite get it like you want!

For another week, I simply went back to my standard from scratch french bread. A proven standard, one I wouldn't be worried about. So this week, not having any bread to make for others, I decided I better try to figure out a white bread from scratch, and I'm happy to announce that I was able to modify another recipe and am happy with the results. Who knew that removing that one appliance would encourage me to experiment, and come up with my own recipes?

Simplifying isn't so bad after all!

Reading, reading, reading!

I love to read. And having more time to read is another one of my perks from working part time! I belong to "3" book clubs - one that I helped start at my former employer (yep - we still meet after many years, and despite the fact that a few of us no longer work there!), one online through facebook, and one with a girlfriend. I don't always get to participate in each of them, but do as often as I can.

The problem is, I'm a book lover. Ok, excuse the language, but I'm a book whore. I LOVE books. I have shelves of them. I have too many that I want to read! And I don't keep them all after I read them - I only keep the ones that I might want to read again some day, or lend to someone else. Most of the shelves are full of books that I haven't read! And trying to fit those extras in, with three others books going on, well - it can be difficult!

So I am excited about a new winter reading program at our library. Local businesses have provided prizes, for an incentive to read in these cold, Wisconsin winter months. So I am reading! Finished one book this week and last night started another. Very excited to be pushing myself to read some of the books on those shelves. Maybe when I'm done, I can turn them in at the used bookstore in town - to get store credit - and BUY MORE BOOKS!

I have a few vices. Reading is one of them. But one that probably isn't THAT bad for me. :) We do live in the frozen tundra...and it's winter. It's cold outside! No better reason to curl up with a book in front of that fireplace!

The power of positive..

I thrive on positive. This is nothing new. And when I have something positive to look forward to, something in the near future, it makes days go by so easily.

One of my dearest friends in all the world is coming at the end of the month for a girlfriends weekend... a weekend of scrapbooking, coffee, good food, and talking. And I cannot wait. I absolutely love these weekends, which we do not do enough! And this time I get to host, so I'm having fun planning menus, etc.

Only a few days after she leaves, I have a mid-week getaway with the hubby. A concert ticket was my gift from the kids for Christmas - and we are sneaking over to the concert and staying over night!

And then, three weeks from that - is Mardi Gras. It will be my second time there for Mardi Gras, this time taking the kids. Another family vacation, which I know will be dwindling away after my daughter graduates from college and starts her next stage in life. So I will cherish this vacation. With all my heart.

I love having these things in the back of my mind, as they keep me going. They give me a light at the end of the tunnel. And I am very Blessed to have so MUCH to look forward to! 

a Misunderstanding???

We've all seen the posts, the jokes, etc. about the husband not understanding what the wife does all day at home.

Last night we received notice that due to snow, school would be delayed this morning. And with that delay, the field trip for the band off, and with that, my sub job cancelled. I had a TON of things on the plate for this week, and felt immediate relief when I realized that I would have the day to catch up!

Before going to bed last night, my dear husband asked me "what are you going to DO with all day tomorrow??" And while I know his intentions were good, that he was happy I'd have a day "off", I realized that he really doesn't have any idea what it takes to run a household!

Before noon today I had:

• sorted all of the recycleables
• taken garbage and recycling out to curb
• shoveled the massive pile at the end of the driveway left by the plow
• unloaded and loaded the dishwasher
• baked 3 dozen biscuits for my families
• washed dishes and cleaned up the kitchen
• gotten the fireplace going
• cleared the mantel
• washed a load of laundry

by noon

The afternoon will include additional cleaning and laundry.

Wonder what I should do with my day off? ;)

Introducing my new blog!

With all that has happened recently, I've decided that it's time to start a new food blog... Introducing....

Saturday Morning Coffee with Missy

 http://saturdaymorningcoffeewithmissy.blogspot.com/

 Working on the first true post now - and playing with templates. I'd love to have you join me there! 

Getting ready!

This morning I'm up early prepping food! I have baked oatmeal in the oven, with my girlfriend coming over for a healthy breakfast, our first chance since the kids went back to school.

But I'm also prepping for the television spot on Sunday. I've been taking pictures along the way to send them, as they want pictures before the fact. So the Balsamic pork is in the crock pot! I'm pretty darn excited at this point. I hope it goes well. What a fun chance to share not only my passion for cooking, and providing for my family, but a super yummy recipe that I think everyone will LOVE!

I really need to figure out how cooking can become my future. It makes me so happy....

New glasses, new hair, and the photo sample prep underway. Guess I'm getting ready for my big spot! Channel 7 this Sunday - airing around 7:40ish.

God's timing....

So my Faithful readers know that I spent the morning on my knees in prayer. (if not - read the previous post)

I received a phone call this morning from a local news station, asking me to showcase one of my recipes on the Sunday morning news show!

I am beyond excited. Not because I'm getting paid (because I'm not) - but for having something to look forward to! Something positive, and fun. And who knows? God makes everything happen for a reason! He heard my anguish and distress this morning and sent me a gift.

God is so good.

Life's tests...

I help out with our church's youth group. And we have a facebook page - for updates, scriptures, etc. We finished a Bible study just after Thanksgiving, and then had a Christmas party, but have been "off" for the holidays. In order to jump start January, I posted a passage from James on our site the other day - about growing stronger through those tests. James 1:2-I1.

I have felt these last couple of months an incredible strain and stress. There are many factors. So many. And more arose this morning. And I'm not talking tests about housework, or people issues, I'm talking about big life tests. The ones that change you.

So this morning, I closed my bedroom door and fell to my knees. And I prayed. I prayed for strength, and for peace. I prayed prayers of repentance for all I've done wrong. I prayed for guidance and direction. I prayed prayers of thanksgiving for bringing us to where we are today. But mostly, I simply prayed. I prayed, giving all of my worries and stress up to God. Because that's what I do. At least I try. I try to give my worries up, allowing Him to worry for me. To take care of me.

I don't know where I would be without my Faith. It gets me through, and makes me stronger, no matter what the tests and trials. I am so thankful for my God, for His strength.

The arctic cold?

I'm not sure what one calls the cold we are predicted to be getting this weekend and early next week.

Now I'm ALL for winter. Like it very much. Family likes to snowboard and go four-wheeling.

But they are predicting wind chills between 50 and 75 degrees below zero for Monday. That is insane. Schools are cancelled, as are other events.

I am saying prayers that everyone stays safe this weekend and next week. That everyone has a sound shelter to stay in, with heat, and food.