There is nothing like experiencing the seasons through the eyes of a foodie. In spring, the fresh peas, and greens, then all summer long with berries, summer squash, corn, and beans, oh....so good. Late summer brought me lots of tomatoes, and peppers, cabbage, apples, and squash.
This week's vegetable is cabbage, a big beautiful gift from a friend. So yesterday I found some cooked brown rice in the fridge, as well as some of my fresh tomato sauce (Italian style - with garlic, onion, carrot, and bell pepper). Added some ground beef (from our local farmer), an egg, and made the filling for cabbage rolls. Oh, they were wonderful.
Today I took the rest of the cabbage, sauteed it in butter with an onion, some paprika, salt, and pepper. Once it was soft, I added chicken stock, and let it simmer. Paired it with fresh out of the oven whole wheat bread, and my lunch was AMAZING.
The hubby just came home with a bag of apples from a local orchard, so the rest of the week I will make some apple pies, crisps, and sauce.
I just love the harvest.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Sunday, September 23, 2012
the crazy backpack lady....
One of the perks of giving up my high profile corporate job was the commute. I used to drive 20 miles to work. Now I walk 12 minutes.
I LOVE my walk to and from work. On days when I'm working all day, I even walk home for lunch and back. On short days, I get about 25 minutes of extra exercise and fresh air, and on long days - almost an hour! I get to see sunrises, and sunsets, and beautiful clouds. I clear my head, work my heart, and breathe.
I wear a black leather backpack, taking in it my calendar, wallet, etc., and using it in case I pick up any groceries to bring home.
So every day, I can be seen around town, walking to work (or to school, or the library...I walk everywhere!)
Yesterday at work there was an unfamiliar face in the store, asking questions. I chatted with her, talking about the store, about Pittsville, etc., and explained that I walked to work.
She exclaimed "do you wear a backpack??? I've SEEN you!"
It was then that I realized I had become that "crazy backpack lady" who walks everywhere.
Could be worse things I guess!
I LOVE my walk to and from work. On days when I'm working all day, I even walk home for lunch and back. On short days, I get about 25 minutes of extra exercise and fresh air, and on long days - almost an hour! I get to see sunrises, and sunsets, and beautiful clouds. I clear my head, work my heart, and breathe.
I wear a black leather backpack, taking in it my calendar, wallet, etc., and using it in case I pick up any groceries to bring home.
So every day, I can be seen around town, walking to work (or to school, or the library...I walk everywhere!)
Yesterday at work there was an unfamiliar face in the store, asking questions. I chatted with her, talking about the store, about Pittsville, etc., and explained that I walked to work.
She exclaimed "do you wear a backpack??? I've SEEN you!"
It was then that I realized I had become that "crazy backpack lady" who walks everywhere.
And it made me smile.
Could be worse things I guess!
Friday, September 21, 2012
absent....and being thankful.
I know that I've been absent, and for my faithful followers, I apologize! Life has been so hectic these last two weeks - with working a lot, football games, and canning all that amazing produce from my garden! I have several post ideas floating around, but all need photos, so they will come, sooner than later I hope!
This week I am so grateful for the beginning of a new year of Bible Study. The amazing group of (BS as we affectionately call ourselves!) ladies is so good for my soul. And we are brutally honest, discussing where we fall short, where we feel we can do better. I'm amazed at how open we all can be, showing a more vulnerable side of who we are, letting down those tough exteriors.
I have a lot of Blessings in my life, you are all aware. I am not quiet about being thankful for all that God Blesses me with. While I will not name these ladies, they know who they are, and I hope that they get as much from our weekly sessions as I do.
This week I am so grateful for the beginning of a new year of Bible Study. The amazing group of (BS as we affectionately call ourselves!) ladies is so good for my soul. And we are brutally honest, discussing where we fall short, where we feel we can do better. I'm amazed at how open we all can be, showing a more vulnerable side of who we are, letting down those tough exteriors.
I have a lot of Blessings in my life, you are all aware. I am not quiet about being thankful for all that God Blesses me with. While I will not name these ladies, they know who they are, and I hope that they get as much from our weekly sessions as I do.
Friday, August 31, 2012
the boys of fall....
I love football. I have always loved football. It all started as a young girl in the early 70's, watching the not-so-good Green Bay Packers on the black and white television in the basement of my parents' home. (Dad wouldn't watch them - and he got the color tv upstairs).
Then I started school - and a dear friend (a football player) - took the time in Junior High to EXPLAIN the game to me. He taught me what to watch - in various positions - that showed me what the players were going to be doing.
Throughout High School, I never missed a game. Same with College. While neither team was very good, I loved watching "my boys" play. Had very close friends on the team throughout my schooling, which only made me love it more.
I joked when my son was born in 1997, that I couldn't wait to have a son who played football. And THEN, when he started playing, I finally got my wish. I'd waited my whole life for a son to play football. Watching throughout those early years, I loved watching him change. Now, as a sophomore, he plays JV, and is doing great. Small school means he plays offense and defense, and this week, had a great first game of the season with a solo sack!
Tonight was a Varsity game, and while my son doesn't play Varsity yet, I just LOVE watching the games. The drive those boys have, the heart.... and it didn't hurt to have a 50-21 victory, either....
Tonight we watched the boys under a beautiful sky, a Blue Moon none-the-less, and as the chill came through the air, I breathed it in.
I love this time of year.
I love the game of football.
I love my boys of fall....
Then I started school - and a dear friend (a football player) - took the time in Junior High to EXPLAIN the game to me. He taught me what to watch - in various positions - that showed me what the players were going to be doing.
Throughout High School, I never missed a game. Same with College. While neither team was very good, I loved watching "my boys" play. Had very close friends on the team throughout my schooling, which only made me love it more.
I joked when my son was born in 1997, that I couldn't wait to have a son who played football. And THEN, when he started playing, I finally got my wish. I'd waited my whole life for a son to play football. Watching throughout those early years, I loved watching him change. Now, as a sophomore, he plays JV, and is doing great. Small school means he plays offense and defense, and this week, had a great first game of the season with a solo sack!
Tonight was a Varsity game, and while my son doesn't play Varsity yet, I just LOVE watching the games. The drive those boys have, the heart.... and it didn't hurt to have a 50-21 victory, either....
Tonight we watched the boys under a beautiful sky, a Blue Moon none-the-less, and as the chill came through the air, I breathed it in.
I love this time of year.
I love the game of football.
I love my boys of fall....
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
simple pleasures
I've been working about 30 hours a week, and am trying to get back to the "working mom" mentality, still providing for my family but not going crazy. Yesterday was a 10 hour day, grueling, on my feet, and bustling all day. I walk to and from work, so the walk home was the last thing I wanted after that long on my legs... but I walked.
Not knowing what to make for dinner (I'd be arriving home at 6:30), I was frustrated before even walking in the door, knowing that I'd been slacking in planning meals, having worked my fifth day in a row...
I opened the door to the kitchen to find my darling husband at the stove, making mashed potatoes and boiled sweet corn.
understand what this meant to me.
The sweet corn was a gift from my in-laws, who had purchased some from a local Amish farm. The corn in general this year has not been good. Due to drought, it's been dimpled, touch, and really not that sweet.
BUT THIS SWEET CORN...
IT was another story.
It was the true, tender, ultra sweet treat that we normally enjoy here in central Wisconsin. The first truly sweet sweet corn we've had this year. Tender, beautiful sweet corn that made all the troubles of the day melt away.
For those of you who have never eaten fresh picked sweet corn, you will not understand. But it is truly heaven-sent.
And it was those little things - not having to make dinner, and enjoying the amazing taste of summer, that made a not-so-wonderful day turn into a wonderful evening.
Not knowing what to make for dinner (I'd be arriving home at 6:30), I was frustrated before even walking in the door, knowing that I'd been slacking in planning meals, having worked my fifth day in a row...
I opened the door to the kitchen to find my darling husband at the stove, making mashed potatoes and boiled sweet corn.
understand what this meant to me.
- my husband understood that i'd be tired and not want to cook
- i didn't have to cook dinner
- we had surprise sweet corn that i didn't know about
The sweet corn was a gift from my in-laws, who had purchased some from a local Amish farm. The corn in general this year has not been good. Due to drought, it's been dimpled, touch, and really not that sweet.
BUT THIS SWEET CORN...
IT was another story.
It was the true, tender, ultra sweet treat that we normally enjoy here in central Wisconsin. The first truly sweet sweet corn we've had this year. Tender, beautiful sweet corn that made all the troubles of the day melt away.
For those of you who have never eaten fresh picked sweet corn, you will not understand. But it is truly heaven-sent.
And it was those little things - not having to make dinner, and enjoying the amazing taste of summer, that made a not-so-wonderful day turn into a wonderful evening.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
providing for the family....as a working mom on a budget!
The new school year is right around the corner, and with a growing 15 year old boy, having enough good food in the house is always a challenge. And now that I'm back to working 30 hours a week, managing that, while working, AND keeping with our budget has me being creative.
This morning I decided to freeze some breakfast burritos - very inexpensive, and packed with protein, they are a quick and easy breakfast to eat "on the go", that keeps my boys going with a stomach full of protein!
This week I found a pack of 5 sweet Italian sausages on sale for less than 3$. I used 2 for my burritos ($1.20). I browned up the sausage with a chopped green pepper and onion, both from the garden!
Then I added 6 scrambled eggs (.90), cooking until almost set, and then sprinkled with 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (.75).
I had enough egg mixture to make 10 burritos but only had 7 tortillas left, so I made 7. If I'd used all 10 tortillas (1.29), and made all 10, the cost would have come to $4.14 for 10 of them, less than .45 each! Even if they eat TWO, that's less than 1$ for a hot breakfast full of protein. To eat them, all you do is microwave them for 45 seconds or so (depends on your microwave).
I do a lot of freezer meals. As a working mom, it's the only way to ensure my family is eating well, even if I'm not home. I've recently found some freezer crockpot recipes I'm going to try also - all of the ingredients frozen together, ready to drop in the crock pot in the morning!
Feeding your family, even if on a budget, or as a working parent, can be done. But it takes some thought and planning. I like to do freezer cooking days - taking a day a month (or more if needed) to just COOK. Make ONE mess, but fill the freezer with meals ready for the oven. It is healthier (fresh ingredients, no preservatives) and cheaper!
This morning I decided to freeze some breakfast burritos - very inexpensive, and packed with protein, they are a quick and easy breakfast to eat "on the go", that keeps my boys going with a stomach full of protein!
This week I found a pack of 5 sweet Italian sausages on sale for less than 3$. I used 2 for my burritos ($1.20). I browned up the sausage with a chopped green pepper and onion, both from the garden!
Then I added 6 scrambled eggs (.90), cooking until almost set, and then sprinkled with 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (.75).
I had enough egg mixture to make 10 burritos but only had 7 tortillas left, so I made 7. If I'd used all 10 tortillas (1.29), and made all 10, the cost would have come to $4.14 for 10 of them, less than .45 each! Even if they eat TWO, that's less than 1$ for a hot breakfast full of protein. To eat them, all you do is microwave them for 45 seconds or so (depends on your microwave).
I do a lot of freezer meals. As a working mom, it's the only way to ensure my family is eating well, even if I'm not home. I've recently found some freezer crockpot recipes I'm going to try also - all of the ingredients frozen together, ready to drop in the crock pot in the morning!
Feeding your family, even if on a budget, or as a working parent, can be done. But it takes some thought and planning. I like to do freezer cooking days - taking a day a month (or more if needed) to just COOK. Make ONE mess, but fill the freezer with meals ready for the oven. It is healthier (fresh ingredients, no preservatives) and cheaper!
Sunday, August 19, 2012
bucket list
I like to think that most people have some type of "bucket list". That list - of things - you want to do before you die. For many, it's just a mental note - of things that you'd like to do some day. For others, like me, it's written down. And it's something that I reference once in awhile - to try to tackle one of the items.
I've been very fortunate. I've been able to do A LOT of amazing things that were on my list - including visiting Africa, traveling route 66, owning my own store, and learning to bake bread from scratch.
These last couple of weeks have found me able to complete one of my items that I thought had no chance after a few years back..
Growing up - I always loved the Oprah Winfrey show. I'm a sap, and I loved her. Always wanted to see the show in person. So I put it on the list. The years flew by, me too busy to even think about going. So when she announced her retirement, I saw the realization that that one item would never get marked off.
sigh
And then last Thursday, I got an email. From Harpo Studios. Asking me to come to a taping...of one of Oprah's Lifeclasses...
Unable to find someone to go with, I made arrangements at work and with a friend, and my plans were set. Sunday night I headed to Monroe to stay with a friend, and Monday morning took off solo to Chicago. After driving around the neighborhood for 20 minutes looking for parking, I settled on a side street about 10 blocks away. Not deterred by the mist, I walked to the studio (only after turning the wrong way TWICE), and arrived. It wasn't long and we were inside, filling out release forms, and sitting in the holding area.
The show was about Family Secrets. I was only there to be an audience member, not to share a story - thank goodness! So they started calling the names of special guests, and those willing to tell a secret, when all of a sudden, they called MY NAME. Needless to say, my mind went crazy. "what did I write in my answer to the survey??? i have no secret to tell.. what is going on?"
Found out that they called me because I was solo - most are in pairs - and they needed me to fill in a row. THE FRONT row to be exact. YEP! Just because I was there alone, I got to sit about 20 ft from Oprah. The set was very cool - - very intimate. The "warmer" came out - and got us all excited - and then we got to preview a show airing on OWN this fall with the guest of our show - Lyanla Vanzant.
Then it was TIME. Oprah and Lyanla came out - and there were guests on Skype - and on phone - and in the audience. All very cool. A neat show - about not keeping secrets - but living the truth - owning your actions. VERY cool. Very moving.
And after the show, they kept the discussion going with our audience - and I even spoke. A relaxed, group discussion - so wierd to be there, in the studio, with Oprah and Lyanla, just "talking". She also came over to us after the show (I was seated next to some of her special guests) and talked personally with us.
So all in all, it was a WONDERFUL day, happy to mark that one off my list, and excited to have had the opportunity. My dear friend was watching the live stream on the web, and even snapped this picture of me. I'm front row, third from the right, on the aisle (in the green shirt).
I've been very fortunate. I've been able to do A LOT of amazing things that were on my list - including visiting Africa, traveling route 66, owning my own store, and learning to bake bread from scratch.
These last couple of weeks have found me able to complete one of my items that I thought had no chance after a few years back..
let me explain
Growing up - I always loved the Oprah Winfrey show. I'm a sap, and I loved her. Always wanted to see the show in person. So I put it on the list. The years flew by, me too busy to even think about going. So when she announced her retirement, I saw the realization that that one item would never get marked off.
sigh
And then last Thursday, I got an email. From Harpo Studios. Asking me to come to a taping...of one of Oprah's Lifeclasses...
Unable to find someone to go with, I made arrangements at work and with a friend, and my plans were set. Sunday night I headed to Monroe to stay with a friend, and Monday morning took off solo to Chicago. After driving around the neighborhood for 20 minutes looking for parking, I settled on a side street about 10 blocks away. Not deterred by the mist, I walked to the studio (only after turning the wrong way TWICE), and arrived. It wasn't long and we were inside, filling out release forms, and sitting in the holding area.
The show was about Family Secrets. I was only there to be an audience member, not to share a story - thank goodness! So they started calling the names of special guests, and those willing to tell a secret, when all of a sudden, they called MY NAME. Needless to say, my mind went crazy. "what did I write in my answer to the survey??? i have no secret to tell.. what is going on?"
Found out that they called me because I was solo - most are in pairs - and they needed me to fill in a row. THE FRONT row to be exact. YEP! Just because I was there alone, I got to sit about 20 ft from Oprah. The set was very cool - - very intimate. The "warmer" came out - and got us all excited - and then we got to preview a show airing on OWN this fall with the guest of our show - Lyanla Vanzant.
Then it was TIME. Oprah and Lyanla came out - and there were guests on Skype - and on phone - and in the audience. All very cool. A neat show - about not keeping secrets - but living the truth - owning your actions. VERY cool. Very moving.
And after the show, they kept the discussion going with our audience - and I even spoke. A relaxed, group discussion - so wierd to be there, in the studio, with Oprah and Lyanla, just "talking". She also came over to us after the show (I was seated next to some of her special guests) and talked personally with us.
So all in all, it was a WONDERFUL day, happy to mark that one off my list, and excited to have had the opportunity. My dear friend was watching the live stream on the web, and even snapped this picture of me. I'm front row, third from the right, on the aisle (in the green shirt).
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