Walking is the perfect way of moving if you want to see into the life of things. It is the one way of freedom. If you go to a place on anything but your own feet you are taken there too fast, and miss a thousand delicate joys that were waiting for you by the wayside. Elizabeth von Arnim

Translate

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Snow and Sun

More snow falling this morning and this time I didn't walk in it.  Though we didn't get those frigid temperatures that were predicted (it was 20 degrees) the snow was coming down pretty hard and it was very windy.  So I walked 3 1/2 miles in the basement.  I'm listening to Gone Missing by Linda Castillo and its a good one.

I got my morning routine done, did a little more changing things around and cleaning done around the house and then read.

After lunch the snow had stopped, it wasn't quite so windy and the sun was shining brightly.  It was beautiful out.  I went outside and cleared the driveway and walked around the yard just to be outside. 

Then I took off my boots and put on my walking shoes.  Went to the post office and then walked around town and got in another 2 1/2 miles so had my 6 mile walk in two parts today.

I thought this mailbox was kind of cute even though it is a bit faded.  The snow on the top of it fits right in.
I made Baked Ziti for supper and while it was in the oven baking I finished reading 311 Pelican Court by Debbie Macomber.  That was the third book in the Cedar Cove series.  I have the next one out of the library too but before I read that I'm going to read The Girl You Left Behind by JoJo Moyes which is the book club selection for March.

We will have our usual evening at home.  A little television, a snack, and I'll make a few more weave-it squares.  Maybe I'll read a little more too. 

Hope your day was sunny and bright.  Life is Good.
happyone : )
To be interested in the changing seasons
is a happier state of mind 
than to be hopelessly in love the spring.
~George Santayana

Three Things That Made Me Smile Today
  1. Feeling the sunshine on my face this afternoon
  2. Coming across the mailbox in the above picture
  3. Seeing a stack of books to read on my end table

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Tuesday

Woke up to falling snow but it was 20 degrees and not more than an inch so I went walking.  Even with my ice grippers there were places where it was a bit slippery and with the snow I couldn't see where the ice was.  But I was careful and it wasn't a problem.  The snow started coming down pretty fast and when I walked against the wind, the snow blew in my face and made it wet and cold.  I stayed around town so I could change direction often.  This picture is taken up the hill a block over from my house.
These ponies live in the field that is on the right in the picture above.  Their names are Flicka and Patriot.
No one else out walking but there were the snow plows, school buses and kids waiting on their bus stops.

I cut my walk just a little short and walked 5 1/2 miles.  That was all my face could take.  Still I'm glad to have been able to walk outside.  I think tonight is when it is supposed to get real cold with temperatures in the single digits again.
☃     ☃     ☃     ☃     ☃
It snowed on and off all day but with a few peeks of sunshine too.
After lunch we went out to do a few errands with stops at Walmart, Dollar General and the library.  There was a book I had to pick up for next months book club and I also got two audio books encase I have to walk in the basement and a couple of magazines.

Hope your day is a happy one.
happyone : )
May you always have work for your hands to do.
May your pockets hold always a coin or two.
May the shine bright on your windowpane.
May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain.
May the hand of a friend always be near you.
And my God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.
~ Irish Blessing

Three Things That Made Me Smile Today
  1.  Walking into the library
  2. Looking up at a picture on my desk of David and Me
  3. Thinking of Spring

Monday, February 24, 2014

A walk in pictures

It snowed a few inches overnight and it was 18 degrees this morning.  Since it was cold the snow was fluffy so it wasn't messy and wet.  It was a beautiful sunny morning to take a walk.  I had on my ice grippers and walked mostly around town but also went up the road outside of town to see the cows at one of the farms.  The ice grippers worked fine after Ken fixed them for me.  The snow was so pretty.  The old snow was dirty and with this new coating it made it all white and pretty again.  More snow on the way tonight and it is supposed to get bitter cold again.  I didn't see anyone else out while walking.
It was all so pretty that I took lots of pictures along the way.
Walk along with me.
The cows were all together with their heads down eating and all looked up as I walked by.
Then when I started talking to them they all started to walk toward me. 
Said good-bye and continued my walk up the road.
Back home again.
I walked 6 miles.
☼     ☼     ☼     ☼     ☼
I cleaned and changed the furniture around in the library which took up most of the day.  I put our two chairs closer to the big picture window.  It is nice sitting there looking out the window.  It is a good place for reading too because it has lots of natural light.

I read about Pannukakku on Vee's blog.  I had never heard of it but it looked good so I went to the link she gave for the recipe and copied it down to try.  Today I got around to making it.  Yummy.  We put syrup on it with some whipped cream too.  I'm thinking next time I'll put some strawberries in it or maybe some mini chocolate chips.
Here's how mine turned out.
 Pannukakku is a Finnish ovenbaked pancake.

4 Tablespoons butter or margarine
4 Eggs
1 Cup Flour
1 Cup Milk
1/4 Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Vanilla
Cinnamon

Melt butter in 9 x 13 pan in oven.
Beat eggs, flour, milk, salt and vanilla and pour in pan.
Sprinkle with cinnamon.
Bake in 450 degree oven for 20 minutes or until browned.
☼     ☼     ☼     ☼     ☼   
The chili lunch after church went well yesterday and it was fun tasting all the chili's.  There were 11 crock pots of chili along with corn bread, chips,  bread, cheese and various desserts.  I didn't taste all 11 but just took a small bit of all the ones that looked good to me.  There weren't any official taste testers but we all voted for the one we liked best.  Though I liked mine best I didn't vote for it.  I voted for one that had pineapple in it.  I know that sounds crazy but it was really good.  I'll have to get the recipe.  
Didn't find out who won because it was going to be announced at church at the evening service and we didn't go.  My chili and the one I voted for were tied for first place when I left though.

That's been my day so far and I've enjoyed seeing the sun shining.
Hope your day is a sunny one too.
happyone : )
Wherever you go,
no matter what the weather,
always bring your own sunshine.
~Anthony J D'Angelo

Three Things That Made Me Smile Today : )
  1. When the cows walked down by me.
  2. When the Pannukakku turned out and tasted yummy.
  3. When I spotted the York Peppermint Pattie (mini) in the basket that Ken left for me.

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Through the Storms

This was an insert in the church bulletin.  It really touched my heart because it is oh so true in my life.

Through the Storms

I did not know His love before,
the way I know it now.
I could not see my need for Hiim,
my pride would not allow.

I had it all, without a care,
the "Self-sufficient" lie.
My path was smooth, my sea was still,
not a cloud was in my sky.

I thought I knew His love for me,
I thought I'd seen His grace,
I thought I did not need to grow,
I thought I'd found my place.

But then the way grew rough and dark,
the storm clouds quickly rolled;
The waves began to rock my ship,
my anchor would not hold.

The ship that I had built myself
was made of foolish pride,
It fell apart and left me bare,
with nowhere else to hide.

I had no strength or faith to face
the trails that lay ahead,
And so I simply prayed to Him
and bowed my weary head.

His loving arms enveloped me,
and then He helped me stand.
He said, "You still must face this storm,
but I will hold your hand."

So through the dark and lonely night
He guided me through pain.
I could not see the light of day
or when the storm might wane.

Yet through the aches and endless tears,
my faith began to grow.
I could not see it at the time,
but my light began to glow.

I saw God's love in brand new light,
His grace and mercy, too.
For only when all self was gone
could Jesus' love shine through.

It was not easy in the storm,
I sometimes wondered, "Why?"
At times I thought, "I can't go on."
I'd hurt, and doubt, and cry.

But Jesus never left my side,
He guided me each day.
Through pain and strife,
through fire and flood,
He helped me all the way.

And now I see as never before
how great His love can be.
How in my weakness He is strong,
how Jesus cares for me!

He worked it all out for my good,
although the way was rough.
He only sent what I could bear,
and then He cried, "Enough!"

He raised His hand and said, "Be Still!"
He made the storm clouds cease.
He opened up the gates of joy
and flooded me with peace.

I saw His face now clearer still,
I felt His presence strong,
I found anew His faithfulness,
He never did me wrong.

Now I know more storms will come,
but only for my good,
For pain and tears have helped me grow
as naught else ever could.

I still have so much more to learn 
as Jesus works in me;
If in the storm I'll love Him more,
that's where I want to be!
~ Wendy Greiner

I got up later than usual and didn't have time to walk before church (we leave earlier now because we also go to Sunday School) so I didn't walk in the morning.  I went for an afternoon walk around the farm loop.  It was sunny when I started out but got cloudy and windy by the time I was back home.
A picture I took along the way.  
You can see that a lot of our snow has melted.

A blessed day to you.
happyone : )

Comment replies:
Karen -  I'm glad you like my duck picture so much that would want to use it for your computer wallpaper. : )  Yes, of course you may use it and please feel to use any of my photos.

Saturday, February 22, 2014

A nice but quiet day

38 degrees this morning.  I left a little later than usual for my walk at 7:30.  The sun was already up and shining and it was a beautiful morning though very windy.  At times the wind pushed against me and made me take a step backwards.  At other times it pushed me along.

I walked the farm loop and then around town. The ice is melting in some of the farm ponds and this one seems to have collected a lot of ducks.
I passed by my horse friends.  Good to see them again. : )
A few places in some of the roads still have a thick layer of ice like here.
A quiet Saturday morning and I walked 6.2 miles.
☀     ☀     ☀     ☀     ☀
The quiet morning turned into a quiet day also.  We stayed at home and just enjoyed the day.

We went out for supper at a restaurant that over looked the lake and sat by the window.  It was nice.  The lake is frozen with ice a foot thick and there were some people out on it ice fishing and we also saw some snowmobiles racing across the ice.

Now this evening we will watch a little television and I've started another baby blanket so will be making a few weave-it squares.   Haven't decided on my snack yet - ice cream or twinkies.

Hope your day was happy and bright.
happyone : )
Life is beautiful.
You have to be thankful that we are living.
Wherever you look is beauty.
I know about the bad things,
but I look for the good things.
~Alice Herz-Sommer

Three Things That Made Me Smile Today
  1. Seeing the horses
  2. Getting pushed ahead by the wind
  3. Looking across the table and seeing Ken smile at me

Friday, February 21, 2014

A happy Friday

When I left on my walk this morning it was 48 degrees. I dropped off a library book in the book drop and then went to the post office and dropped off a letter in the mail slot.  Then it started misting out, not long after it was raining.  I decided to keep my walk around town so I could get home when I got too wet.
Walked passed one of the cemeteries.  Still can't walk around it because the road through still has not been cleared.
I didn't mind the rain, but soon my feet were soaked and they got cold so I cut my walk short and went home.  I was pretty wet.  I only walked 3 miles.  But still at least I got out.  When I got home the temperature had gone down to 42.

Right after breakfast I took out my crock pot and put together the ingredients for chili.  It is for after church on Sunday.  We are having a chili contest.  Thought it would be fun to enter mine.  We will all be tasting the different chili's and then voting on our favorites.  Pastor said to make sure someone brings the tums. : )

Later on in the morning it was 38 and the rain turned into snow but it didn't last.  By noon things were starting to clear up and not long after the sun was out and it was back up to 42 degrees.  After lunch we decided to go up to Happy Trails and see if we could get up the driveway this time.  Nope not yet - too deep to drive through. 
So we walked up the driveway.  I didn't wear my tall boots so had to walk in Ken's footprints.  When we got up to the top of the driveway, I decided the snow was too deep for me to walk around so I went back down to the truck while Ken stayed there for a while.  Down at the truck I changed into my walking shoes and walked the 3 miles back home.  So I ended up walking my 6 miles today after all.  There was quite a wind blowing and all the way home I walked against it.  It was warm though and I enjoyed walking in the sunshine.

The melting of the snow continues.  The stream at HT has a decent amount of water running down it.
I took a couple more pictures of a stream while I walked down the mountain just because I thought it looked pretty.

Oh by the way Ken was reading the paper earlier and read that so far this winter we have had 160 inches of snow.

Here is the latest 1000 piece puzzle we finished.  It was a bit of a challenge but not too hard. 
Did a little more cleaning.  I wanted to clean the library and change some things around but didn't get to it today.  I'll have to do that another day.  I want to rearrange and move those boxes that I put the seasonal things in because I'm getting tired of looking at them the way they are.

I've already taken the puzzle apart and opened up the next one and set out all the pieces on the table.  The next one is also a 1000 piece one and it is of Noah's Ark.  It should be a bit of a challenge.

That's been my Friday and it's been another good day.  Life is Good.
happyone : )
The day the Lord created Hope
was probably the same day He created Spring.
~ Bern Williams

Today's Three Thankful Things
  1. Two walks - one in rain and one in sunshine
  2. My good health
  3. For the sound of water flowing over rocks in the stream

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Around the Farm Loop

No snow and no frigid temperatures this morning so I put on my walking shoes and walked around the farm loop.  You can't imagine how good it felt to be outside for my morning walk.  The temperature was 30 degrees and just a slight wind every once in a while.
I got to see the sunrise.
The farm loop road was clear and dry with just a little bit of ice here and there.  No problem to just walk around those spots.  The roads in town were very icy in most places so I just stayed on the roads that were good.  All the melting from yesterday just froze up everything during the night.

I passed by Lone Chicken and friends and said good morning and one of them came out the door.  As you can see they really can't come out of their coop.  At least now though the snow isn't above the door and they can take a peek out.
I didn't see anyone else walking or running which was surprising because this is the first time in quite a while that the weather was nice. The usual bus drivers were out and waved to me though.  They must have been wondering where I've been.

 I always like the shapes in ice puddles.  
Then I like to walk on them and break them up.
I walked my usual 6 miles.
☀     ☀     ☀     ☀     ☀
After breakfast we went down to LaVale to Walmart to do some shopping.  This Walmart is about 10 miles farther than the one we usually go to but it is bigger and always has everything on our list so we don't have to make another stop.

We stopped at Wendy's and had some lunch - baked potatoes with cheese.

After unloading the truck and putting everything away we finished the puzzle we've been working on.  Didn't take a picture yet but will, and post it tomorrow.  

Then I finally got around to doing my house cleaning for the day.

So that's  been my day so far.
It has been a good one.
happyone : )
My father considered a walk among the mountains
as the equivalent of churchgoing.
~ Aldous Huxley
Today's Three Thankful Things
  1. My morning walk
  2. My morning walk
  3. My morning walk    
You were right Art. : )

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

A warm winter day

It 34 degrees this morning, but VERY windy and it was snowing too so I walked inside again. 

The snow soon stopped and the temperature climbed up to 40 degrees.  We went outside and cleared the driveway.  That is becoming a daily thing lately.

Later on after lunch I walked to the library.  I got two audio books to read for walking inside and three regular books.  Oh boy, are the roads a sloppy slushy mess with water running down the streets. Good thing I had my boots on. 
But is was a beautiful sunny day.  I only had to wear a sweatshirt.  It would have been perfect weather for walking if it wasn't so wet.  I can't walk far in my boots, I need my walking shoes and my feet would have been soaked.
I did walk around town a bit though after leaving the library.  Nice to just be outside in warm weather.  : )
That's my house straight ahead in the middle of the picture.  
I'm enjoying this warm winter's day.  I'm sure this is just a lull and it will be cold and snowing again before long.

Hope your day is a happy one.
happyone : )
No man can be called friendless who has God
and the companionship of good books.
~ Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Today's Three Thankful Things
  1. A WARM winters day
  2. That I got to go for a little walk around town
  3.  Library books to read
 Comment replies:
Kerry - I tried to find out how much snow we've had so far but couldn't find it.  I'll have to look some more.
Vee - You are wrong - I ate two twinkies. : )  I always have one good but bad snack a day.  : ) 

Monday, February 17, 2014

A lazy day

This morning we had a fresh coating of an additional 4 inches or so of snow and it was 0 degrees so I walked in the basement once again.  I finished listening to the audio book the other day and haven't been back to the library so had no book to listen to.

No more snow today and it was a beautiful sunny day and after lunch it had warmed up to 20 and we went outside around the yard.  Cleared off the driveway and I shoveled the path up to the bird feeders again.
This way the sky was a pretty blue.
 Facing the other direction, the sky was cloudy. 
The sky doesn't look much different than the snowy ground.
Threw some snowballs at what is left of the snowman I made and knocked some icicles off the house.

Back inside the house, I had some hot chocolate and we worked on the latest puzzle.
I also read a little while.
It's been a lazy kind of day.
Supper tonight will be quick and easy.  I'm making quesadillas.

Hope your day in a happy one.
happyone : )
Clouds come floating into my life,
no longer to carry rain or usher storm,
but to add color to my sunset sky.
~Rabindranath Tagaore

Today's Three Thankful Things
  1.  A pretty blue sky
  2.  A nice cup of hot chocolate
  3.  Twinkies : )

Sunday, February 16, 2014

A Gift

For by grace are ye saved through faith;
and not of yourselves:
it is the gift of God

Not of works, lest any many should boast.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works,
which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:8 - 10

What a wonderful thing that God has given us the gift of eternal life.
There is nothing we can do earn salvation no matter how many good works we do.
The good works are done because we love God and I think of it as a way to say Thank You to God.  
❤     ❤     ❤     ❤     ❤
Sometime during church this morning it started snowing again and continues to snow this afternoon.
We stopped at Brenda's on the way home and had lunch there.  They make the best Caesar Salads there too!!

We enjoyed the Valentine Banquet last night.  The food was great and it was so nice getting to know people better.  There were games, a video skit we watched that two of the church members made that was really funny, a guest speaker and his wife played the piano and sang.  We are so glad we went and look forward to next years dinner.

A blessed Sunday to all.
happyone  : )

Comment Replies:
Art - The snow was too deep for making angels.  I sunk down too far. : )

Saturday, February 15, 2014

A fall in the snow times 3

I thought perhaps I might be able to walk outside this morning but it was not to be.  It was snowing like crazy when I woke up and there was already another 7 inches on the ground.  We ended up getting 10.  So another basement walk.  Finished listening to Rose Harbor in Bloom.  It was pretty good.

We were back outside again today - a repeat of yesterday.  Ken with the snow blower and me with the shovel.
Here is Ken.  I think he got a little carried away.  He not only cleared the neighbors driveway but started on the road too. : )
 I tried walking in the snow and asked Ken to take a picture so you could see how deep it is.
 Then I lost my balance and down I went.  
Nice falling in the snow.  You have a nice soft landing.
 It was hard to get back up and I was laughing so hard that I fell right back in the snow again and then one more time. : )
It was really fun being out in the snow.  This morning when I saw it snowing again I thought, oh no, not more snow, but then I'm glad it did because it was fun being outside in it.

This evening we are going to the Couples Banquet Valentine Dinner which our church has every year.  Since we are new to the church, it will be the first one for us.  It is at a restaurant called Ace's Run which is just 10 miles away.  It should be a lot of fun and we are really looking forward to it.

I hope your Saturday is a fun day.
happyone : )
The most important things are the hardest to say,
because words diminish them.
~ Stephen King
Today's Three Thankful Things
  1.  Having fun in the snow
  2.  Boots that keep my feet dry
  3. A Saturday night out
Comment replies:
Thinker - TP - Toilet Paper
Dot - I'm happy you liked the chicken.  I'm making it again real soon. : )

Friday, February 14, 2014

Car burried in the snow

As you might have expected it was another walk in the basement for me.  Once again I walked 5 1/2 miles and listened to disc number 7 of the audio book.  I did a load of laundry and hung it up in the drying room while down there too.

After breakfast we went outside and cleared the driveway AGAIN.  Ken with the snow blower and me with the shovel.  I also shoveled a path back out to the bird feeders and shoveled an area for the birds and threw out more seed.  I felt sorry for them yesterday trying to dig under all that snow for some seed. 
It was 20 degrees outside so not that cold, but it was a bit windy and the snow was getting blown around.

I took this picture of my neighbors car across the street buried in the snow.
Then we were off to Walmart to get some shopping done.  We were running a bit low on things.  Now we are all stocked up again.  But guess what we forgot? - TP - now for sure it will snow again. : )

This afternoon we're home doing a few things around the house.  It was nice to see the sun for a little while this afternoon.

Hope your enjoying your day.
happyone : )
You know when you have found your prince
because you not only have a smile on your face
but in your heart as well.
~ Unknown

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

Today's Three Thankful Things
  1. That Ken is my Valentine
  2. It stopped snowing
  3. The sun made a showing
Comment Replies:
Karen - Thanks for the link.  I think I just might do that.

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Snow Snow and more Snow

It was 20 degrees but the snow was coming down fast and heavy so once again I had my walk in the basement listening to disc number 7.
Another thing about wearing all those layers of clothes I mentioned yesterday is that it takes me 10 minutes to put it all on. : )

Here's my crows up by the feeder trying to find the seeds under the snow that I threw out there for them.  This picture was taken in the morning and it has continued to snow all day.
I made some chocolate chip cookies this afternoon.  That reminded me I forgot to say yesterday that at the book club I asked Sherry how her husband liked my chocolate chip cookies.  You may remember that he made some for the Drane House cookie sale so I couldn't make mine.  His cookies are well liked in town.  I had one and thought they were good but of course not as good as mine.  : )  Anyway she kind of made a face and didn't want to say anything, but finally said he didn't like them!!  I just laughed but that is the first time someone ever said they didn't like them.  Or at least the first time someone said what they really thought!!  One of these days we really should have a cookie taste off.  : )

I just took this picture out my back door of the deck and picnic table.  The snow is lighter now but it is still coming down. 
We decided to wait until tomorrow before we go outside to shovel and blow the driveway clear.  The weather report has us getting 2 feet before it stops. 

So today is an inside day keeping nice and warm and enjoying reading, staring another puzzle, knitting, baking and watching the snow fall.

Hope your day is happy and bright.
happyone : )
Tis sweet to know there is an eye will mark our coming,
and look brighter when we come.
~Lord Byron
Today's Three Thankful Things
  1. Chocolate chip cookies
  2. A nice warm house
  3. Having plenty to do inside
Comment replies:
Vee - The high school is about 3 miles down the main road but it is far from the road and I've never looked for the track.  Sounds like something I should look into.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Sweet and Sour Chicken

It was only 8 degrees and windy so once again it was a basement walk for me as I listened to the next CD.  I walked 5 1/2 miles.

Karen was wondering about the clothes I wear when I walk outside in the cold and thought maybe others might be interested too. I've talked about it before but it's been quite a while.
I just wear lots of layers.  On the coldest days I walk I wear sweat pants over two of those stretch leggings.  On my feet, a pair of trouser socks and then a pair of regular socks.  On top I wear two long sleeve turtle neck tee shirts, a regular sweatshirt, and a hooded sweatshirt.  If its really cold I wear another hooded sweatshirt OR my jacket.  On my head I have on a thick headband that I put over my ears and the two hoods.  I don't wear mittens or gloves because they make my hands cold.  I just tuck my hands up inside my sleeves and my hands stay nice and warm.  That is until I take my camera out.  : )  The cold doesn't really bother me but I don't usually walk if it gets 12 or below because it is just too cold for my face.  Where I lived before it rarely got that cold but here it does and I've missed a lot more days than is usual for me.  I'm looking forward to the time when I can just get up every morning and just be able to walk outside.  Not being able to walk every day is really hard for me.

I hate to disappoint some of you but I decided NOT to finish that puzzle.   I just wasn't enjoying it.  The colors all blended together and the picture seemed a big blur. So I slid all the pieces off the table right into the trash can.  It was nice to have the table back to a regular size too.
With that puzzle gone, we did one of the ones we bought last week.  It was an easy one with only 500 pieces.
After lunch we headed up to Happy Trails to see what's going on up there.  We couldn't even get up the driveway so we parked the truck and walked in and walked around up on the land for a little while.  There is a powdery snow on top of an icy crust which made it difficult to walk so we got a good workout.
 I tried a new recipe tonight for supper, Sweet and Sour Chicken and it was delicious.  Both Ken and I loved it.  I think it is my new favorite meal.
If you like sweet and sour chicken you must try this.
Here's the recipe.
Sweet and Sour Chicken
Ingredients
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
For the sweet and sour sauce
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Lightly oil a 9 x 13 baking dish or coat with nonstick spray.
To make the sauce, whisk together sugar, vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce and garlic powder
in large bowl' set aside.
In a large bowl, season chicken with salt and pepper, to taste. Stir in cornstarch and gently toss to combine.
Working one at a time, dip the chicken into the eggs.
Heat vegetable oil in a large saucepan.
Add chicken and cook until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes.

Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate; discard excess oil.
Add chicken to prepared baking dish. Top with sweet and sour sauce.

Place into oven and bake until the sauce has thickened, about 55 minutes, turning over every 15 minutes to evenly coat the chicken.  ( I only had to bake it 45 minutes)
Serve immediately.
Here it is cooked and ready to eat with some white rice.  
My mouth waters just looking at it again.
After supper I walked over to the library for my book club.  There were 8 of us and we had a nice time talking about the last two books we read and then just talked about this and that.

This evening we watched some television and I had some chocolate fudge ice cream for my snack.

Hope your day has been a happy one.
happyone : )
Love is the thing that enables a woman 
to sing while she mops up the floor 
after her husband has walked across it in his barn boot.
~ The Hoosier Farmer

Today's Three Thankful Things
  1. Happy Trails
  2. A delicious new recipe
  3. A nice time with my book club friends

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

A quiet day at home

8 degrees this morning and after a few snow flurries the sun came out. : )  Another 5 1/2 mile walk in the basement listening to the next disc.

One nice thing about having snow on the ground for most of the winter is that it sure makes winter pretty.  I'd rather see things covered in blankets of white instead of brown dead things where it all seems so drab and colorless.  Though I know you can find beauty in that too if you look.
The sun shining on the white snow this morning was actually glistening and looked like someone had spread glitter over the snow.  So I'll put up with the snow of winter for the beauty of it. : )

Got a few things done around the house and then put a few more pieces of the puzzle together.  I've been thinking of taking this one apart and doing another one, it's that hard!!

I went outside for a little while again today just to walk around the yard in the fresh air.  

I finished reading the first book in the Cedar Cove series, 16 Lighthouse Road.  It was pretty good.  I'll be starting the second book later tonight, 204 Rosewood Lane.

It's been pretty quiet day around the homestead today.
Hope you are enjoying your day.
happyone : )
The ultimate test of a relationship is to disagree
but to hold hands.
~ Alexandria Penney

Today's Three Thankful Things
  1. Pancakes for breakfast
  2. A beautiful sunny winter day
  3. A nice quiet day at home

Comment replies:
Vee - I'm sure by March we won't be getting much snow anymore, though I remember coming up here last year and it snowed in April. 
OE - There is about a foot of snow on the ground here. 

Monday, February 10, 2014

Back yard

The snow continued through the night and it was still coming down in the morning so I went down stairs to walk in the basement.  Listened to the third CD of Rose Harbor in Bloom and walked 5 1/2 miles.
While I was down there I did a load of laundry and hung it up in the drying room.

Worked on my counted cross stitch in the morning and also put a few pieces together on the puzzle.

After lunch the snow had pretty much stopped except for a few flurries once in a while.  We both went outside, Ken to clear the driveway with the snow blower and me with my shovel. 
I walked up and down the road just to walk a little bit outside.
 I took a couple of pictures in the back yard for a change.

Hope your Monday is a happy one.
happyone : )
Do I love you because you're beautiful,
Or are you beautiful because I love you?
~ Rodgers and Hammerstein, Cinderella

Today's Three Thankful Things
  1.  Peanut butter and jelly sandwich
  2.  Left overs for supper, so I don't have to cook today
  3. To see the sun shine and a bit of blue sky if only for a few mintues

Sunday, February 09, 2014

Sunday

Psalm 32:8 - 9
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go;
I will guide thee with mine eye.

Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule,
which have no understanding;
whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle,
lest they come near unto thee.

These were the two main verses that Pastor Leatherman preached on this morning.  One of the things I like about Pastor and there are many, is how he picks out a Bible verse or two and can preach a whole sermon on it.  There is always something knew for me to learn.

As a child of God, we are so privileged to have an ALL knowing God to guide us through our day to day living.  He knows how all the choices we could make turn out and what is best for each of us.  We just need to listen to Him.
 ✟     ✟     ✟     ✟     ✟     ✟     
Guess what?  It's snowing again.

Have a blessed Sunday.
happyone : )

Three Thankful Things Today
  1. It's Sunday and we get to go to church
  2. Lunch at Brenda's
  3. I know it snows a lot here, but I'm still thankful for today's snow, because it is beautiful and peaceful to watch falling so quietly down to earth.  I think it's one way for God to show us how beautiful the world He created is.

I want to thank you for your kind comments from yesterday.
My memories of my aunt sadly are only from when I was young.  I say sadly because my mom and her sister had a falling out many years ago and hadn't talked to each other for the last 45 years. : (  
I am happy to say though that my cousin Linda and I have been in contact for quite a few years now.

Saturday, February 08, 2014

Outside

14 degrees this morning, but no new ice or snow and it was very still out so I got to walk outside today. : )  Oh Happy Days.
Wearing my ice grippers I headed out the door and walked around town.  One of my ice grippers broke, part of the rubber broke off.  I walked a while with it broken and then it finally came off my shoe.  I walked a little with only the one but it was pretty icy out so I cut my walk a bit short at 4 1/2 miles and came home.

I didn't see anyone outside and only a few cars past by.
A few rabbits were around and I heard Lone Chicken and friends inside their coop as I walked passed.  The door of the coop is completely covered in snow.  Hope they are being looked after.

A few pictures along my way.


I showed Ken what happened to my ice gripper when I got home and he went to work with some wire and fixed it for me.  Don't know how long it will last but it should be good enough until I can buy another pair.  I bought the cheapest ones last time and I think this time I'll get a better pair, knowing that I use them a lot here.

I took a little walk in the basement and went another 2 miles.

We are getting a bit low of pellets for the pellet stove so we went over to the hardware store right in town to get another pallet.  The one guy wasn't there to load the pallet on the truck so we had to wait a little while for him to get back.  Meantime I went next door to the Dollar General and picked up some cereal.  Then I got tired of waiting and walked home.  Ken was home a few minutes later.

I had some sad news today, my Aunt Jean died.  She was my mom's sister.  I have many happy memories from my childhood when Aunt Jean, my two cousins Linda and Patty, Grandma and my mom all got together.  What a group we were. : )    

Hope your was sunny and bright.
happyone : )
Today, give a stranger one of your smiles.
It might be the only sunshine he sees all day.
H. Jackson Brown Jr.

Today's Three Thankful Things
  1. Having a handy husband who can fix almost anything
  2. Walking outside and seeing the beauty of winter
  3. Happy memories

Friday, February 07, 2014

Out for the day

More snow and I decided to take a day off from walking in the basement but I'll still get plenty of steps in on my Striiv for the day.

After breakfast we hopped in the truck and went down to LaVale for the day. It was snowing when we left but as we got farther away from home, the snow stopped and the sun came out.  Went to the mall first and walked around in and out of stores.  There is a Walmart there in the mall and it is a much bigger store than the one we usually go to.  We picked up a few food items that we couldn't get at ours.

I needed a battery for my watch but couldn't find one.  It was just a cheap Walmart watch but I really like it.  I saw the exact same watch today and just bought another watch.  It was only $12. I also picked up some pink wool.  I thought I'd try to knit myself a sweater with it. 

In another store we bought two more puzzles.  Don't know when we will get to them though because that big 3000 puzzle is going mighty slow.

A light blue blouse caught my eye in a store and I got that too.
The purple cross cookie cutter I got in a craft store that was right next to a Joann's Fabric store.  I am going to bake cookies for the kids for their snack at Sunday school and thought that cross cookies would be nice for that.

We also went to Ollie's, Harbor Freight, Martin's and had lunch at a Wendy's.  I love the baked potato with cheese.

On the way home we made a stop at Candy Land again.  Ken needed a new supply. 

We had a lovely day out and didn't get back home till about 3:30.  Here's my loot for the day.
Oh, and when we got back home, it got cloudy and I couldn't believe it when we saw snow flurries.   More snow is predicted for the next few days.  One good thing though is that those really frigid temperatures are gone.

For supper this evening I made Shepherds Pie - a recipe I got out of my Better Homes and Garden cookbook.  It was the first time I've made it and it was pretty good.  Not spectacular but a good hearty meal.  The recipe is HERE.

Hope your day has been a happy one.
 happyone : )
How far that little candle throws his beams!
So shines a good deed in a naughty world.
~ William Shakespeare, Merchant of Venice

Today's Three Thankful Things
  1. Emails from friends
  2. Enjoying a nice day out
  3. Having a husband who is not a picky eater.  He'll eat whatever I make without complaint.

Comment replies:
Thinker - Don't think you can make scones in a microwave. : )

RK - The locals say that they usually get this much snow, just not such cold temperatures.  I think the average snowfall for a winter is 102 inches.  It is the coldest winter here in 20 years.