The Simple Woman's Day book . . .

FOR TODAY, November 8th, 2011...

Outside My Window...
We had a very heavy frost yesterday morning . . . but this morning it looks like there isn't one. I always worry about our fish this time of year, and now this year our frogs. Todd says they will be ok. Our fish had babies though and so I worry about them. God sees the little sparrow though . . . so I will trust in Him, that the fish and the frogs and the sparrows will be just fine!

I am thinking...
I got my letter to go back for the results of everything and the prognosis and the plan of action yesterday morning. I go on the 18th November at 10 am.

I am thankful for...
The tender mercies of my Heavenly Father. They manifest themselves in my life every day. I am thankful for a seeking heart and for eyes that recognize them when they come. What a blessing that is!

From the kitchen...
There is leftover cola cake . . . not a lot because I gave half of it away to a friend . . . but there's a little piece left there for me. I wonder . . . would cola cake be good for breakfast? Probably not, but what the heck . . . I may just be really naughtie!

I am wearing...
Yellow Nightie, with navy pindots, a pretty navy ribbon and pleats on the bodice. Some old grey and pink pajama bottoms, my robe and slippers. Not altogether an attractive combination, but they keep me warm so that's what counts!

I am creating...
I have a special painting I am working on for a friend, but I still managed to knock out this yesterday:



Just in case you can't read it in this format it says: "She knew that she was formed by God's hands, dreamed up in His heart, and placed in this world for a purpose."

Someone on facebook said that it would be good for young women's and although I hadn't thought of that when I created it, they are right, it would be perfect for Young Women's. I am really enjoying doing these water colour backgrounds now that I have learned how to use the masking fluid. I draw my picture onto the paper and then I paint over it with the masking fluid. I then experiment with my water colours, creating what I hope will be a great background. Once that is finished and dried, I peel off the masking fluid and then I paint my character, scan and put on the words.

I've also got quite a bit done on my crochet afghan. I decided on the colours dark brown, coffee, cream, white and a dusty green. They are looking nice together.

I am going...
This afternoon we are taking Mitzie over to a friends so that she can meet her and perhaps get a bit used to her. This friend will be watching her for the day on Friday when we go to the Temple so we don't have to worry about getting back too quickly. I am very grateful for a friend that is willing to do that for us. She has a big dog herself, that is part wolf, but she has had to leave her in America for a bit, while she is over here, so she is really missing having a dog around. She's really looking foward to having Mitzie!

I am reading...



Alice I have Been, by Melanie Benjamin
Oxford, England, 1859 and Alice Liddell is the nine year old daughter of the Dean of the college. Living a pampered life with her brother and sisters in the midst of the hustle and bustle of college life she is anxious for experiences beyond what her family expects. Nothing too drastic, she would just like to be able to roll in the dirt and play without being reprimanded for getting dirty. She and her sisters are befriended by Mr Dodgson (pen name Lewis Carroll), a maths professor at the college. An unusual man, he seems to find the company of children more to his liking than most adults and spends many an afternoon entertaining the young Liddell girls.

Whilst on one of their outings he recounts a tale to the three girls, Alice's story, it is the tale that we have all come to know and love. For several years afterwards Alice Liddell begs him to write the story down for her, without knowing that once he does it will change her life forever.

Whilst Melanie Benjamin's novel is based on fact, much of the tale of Lewis Carroll and the young Alice remains unknown. What is known is that Lewis Carroll preferred the company of little girls to adults, he liked to photograph them (including Alice Liddell) in revealing poses and entranced them with his fanciful tales. But whether there was anything more sinister than that in his behaviour is unclear. It is a story that is at once fascinating and at the same time disarming . . . nevertheless I am enjoying it thus far. It's an "I can't put down" kind of book.

I've also been re-reading The Help. It's every bit as good the second time around!

I am hoping...
I got a really wierd e-mail from my eldest daughter yesterday morning. She is getting married in July. She seemed to be worried that I would want to be with her on the morning of her wedding and have my hair done together with her and the Bride's maids. She told me that the Stepmom says that only she, the step mom, the two bridesmaids and the hair dresser are allowed to be there that morning. Then she had "Sorry" printed in big letters, and said that it was nothing against me, but that was just the way it was planned. It upset me a bit because first of all I haven't written or said anything to anyone about the wedding, least of all her, or even intimated that I wanted to be with her the morning of her wedding, so quite obviously her stepmom is making sure that I will not be there, because that would never have come from Eileen, herself. I phoned over to where my daughter lives because I wanted to reassure her that I only want her wedding day to be a happy day and if I am there it will be only because I want to share in her joy, that I was not planning on causing any problems for anyone. She was not home . . . she had gone with her stepmom and dad into Halifax shopping for a wedding gown. I am not sure why but the more I thought about it, I started to feel a bit angry about their attitude. This is my daughter. I raised her and I love her with all of my heart. Surely the correct thing to do, with me living as far away as I do, and knowing that I will not have a lot of input with the wedding . . . and the kindest thing to do . . . would be to allow me to have a few hours with my daughter on her wedding day. Am I wrong to think that? I will not of course, because it is not how they want it to be and I would never want to put a shadow on my daughter's special day by insisting on anything that might cause problems. But there is a part of me that wants to be there on that morning before she becomes someone else's wife . . . to share the things with her that only a mother can share . . . but it seems I won't be allowed to do that. Perhaps I am wrong to want to do so . . .

I am hearing...
Early morning sounds as the world wakes up around me. Every day sounds. Peaceable and comforting.

Around the house...

Source: countryhome.com via Marie on Pinterest

I was looking at storage solutions yesterday and I came across this. Because we live in a house with very limited storage I am always looking for cheap and easy ways to organize things. This looks perfect for my craft room! I could probably improvise on this idea by using some tin cans etc. I will have to put my thinking cap on, and maybe we can do something like this once everything else is sorted in my life!

I am looking forward to...
I am really looking forward to going to the Temple with Todd on Friday. We were sealed to each other in the Preston Temple and it will be nice to be there again on our Anniversary. The Temple is a special place. It is so peaceful and serene and beautiful. One feels very close to God the and to the Saviour . . . and to our ancestors. You can feel them all around you. You feel safe, and loved and special. I can't really find words to adequately describe it all really . . . just know that it is a very special and sacred place to be and I can't think of anywhere nicer to be on our Anniversary.

I am pondering...
I am trying not to think too deeply! That thought makes me laugh . . . I am a deep thinker! I am always thinking! I am trying to dwell on positivity though, more than anything else.

One of my favourite things...
I love music. I have different kinds of music that I listen to for different things and for different moods. When I am working in my craft room . . . creating and painting, I like to listen to upbeat or inspiring music. I usually have Mindy Gledhill, or Paul Cardall in my discman. Occasionally I will have Bruno Mars or Take That. Lately I've also been listening to James Taylor.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
I am working on my bucket list. Everyone has one . . . the things you want to do before you die. I am working on my bucket list and crossing things off, making every day count as never before.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Source: ryanslds.tumblr.com via Marie on Pinterest

I love the words of President Uchtdorf. They speak to my heart in such a clear way. I find great comfort in them and solace. They help my brain, which is going about a million miles an hour in all sorts of directions, to slow down and to focus on what is important . . . they bring me peace.

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

"The Lord uses a scale very different than the world's to measure the worth of a soul."
~Dieter f. Uchtdorf

We would do well to remember that each and every day of our lives. We matter much more than the world would have us think.

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

Another recipe that I am bringing over from my old Marie's Muses blog. It's kinda chinese style. I do love Indian and Chinese food once in a while. Oh heck, who am I trying to kid . . . I just love food!



*Sesame Chicken*
Serves 4 - 6
Printable Recipe

I’m not sure this qualifies as being authentically “Chinese”, but whenever I make it, it satisfies my craving for a Chinese meal. You can leave the vegetables out if you want, but I really enjoy them myself. All you need to do is steam some rice to have on the side. It’s a really delicious meal and very simple to put together. If you like hot and spicy, add the red pepper flakes. I often only add a pinch. It all depends on what kind of mood I am in!

6 boneless, skinless, chicken breasts
A little garlic powder, salt and pepper
¼ cup runny honey
¼ cup soy sauce
½ cup water
1 TBS cornflour (cornstarch)
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables, steamed until crispy tender
1 TBS toasted sesame seeds

Wipe the chicken breasts and then cut them into 1 inch strips with a sharp knife. Sprinkle them with a little garlic powder, salt and pepper. Set aside.

Whisk together the honey, soy sauce, water, corn flour, ginger and red pepper flakes in a small bowl, until smooth. Set aside.

Spray a large non-stick skillet with spray oil and heat it over medium high heat until fairly hot. Add the chicken strips and cook them for about 6 minutes, or until they are no longer pink.

Pour the honey mixture over top and cook, stirring until it thickens slightly. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes or so, until the chicken starts to soak up the sauce.

In the meantime steam your vegetables. I like to use the steam fresh packets of mixed vegetables you can get in the freezer section of the store. They have delicious combinations, my personal favourite being the one with the green beans, carrots and broccoli,

Once the vegetables are crispy tender, stir them into the chicken mixture. Cook for about a minute to help them absorb some of the flavour of the sauce, sprinkle with the sesame seeds and then serve spooned over hot steamed white rice. Delicious!



There's a tasty snack cooking in The English Kitchen today, Gingerbread Roasted Chickpeas. They're moreishly scrummy!

My happiness project . . .

I suppose we all have little habits that annoy us . . . things that we do that we'd like to stop doing . . . things like biting our fingernails, or hair twizzling . . . the predictable things that we do each day like having the same thing for breakfast every morning (cheerios), or going to bed at the exact same time each night.

Each year we all make promises to ourselves . . . little resolutions like not forgetting anyone's birthday, or learning a new skill. (I've been telling myself I am going to master Photoshop for several years now, but all to no avail . . . apparently I'm even dumber than a photoshop dummy, coz even photoshop for dummies did not help!) . . . each year I tell myself that this will be the year my artwork really takes off . . . and then each year I end up feeling a bit like a failure because . . . well, I didn't lose that ten pounds, or I didn't master that skill, or . . . I didn't become the successful artist that I wanted to be.



While we were on holidays I had a lot of time to think . . . that is one thing that rain on holidays is good for by the way . . . It gives you lots of thinking time. I came to the realization that I have been wasting my life in some ways . . . and life is just too short to waste it. The years keep slipping by, amazingly quickly . . . and I get no closer to fulfilling these invisible goals that I have set for myself. I find that I am not as happy as I would like to be . . . and goodness knows I have so very much in my life to be happy about! I have a wonderful husband that loves my cotton socks, a beautiful puppy dog that adores me (the feeling is quite mutual, in both cases I hasten to add!) I have a lovely warm, safe and cosy home. I really want for nothing. I have my health, my brains (as addled as it may seem at times!), etc. Life is very, very good. Why do I want to go about trying to make it better? Why do I want to keep pursuing that dangling carrot? Is it not enough to be able to have huge pockets of happiness right now, right here where I am, with the who that I am, and the why that I am . . . and the where that I am?????

And so that's what I'm going to do. Just be happy. With what . . . who . . . why . . . and where I am now.

Anything else shall be the icing on a quite delicious cake.



Just look at this stunning sunrise from my front window this morning! Isn't it gorgeous. I know . . . red sky at morning, sailor take warning . . . doesn't matter. I'll take the day I'm given and be glad for it, every single minute of every single hour.



Does this not make you smile?? It does me. That's our little Maryn. She's growing like a weed. Such a pretty wee thing she is. Granddaughters are wonderful . . .



So are Grandsons! (Jon, Josh and Jacob!)



At least I think they are! (Big Gabe and Lil Luke)



These are the things in life that make my heart go pitter pat. It's not money, or possessions, or even success. It's not being pretty or smart. It's not having a beautiful home or new car. It's not anything that we can touch with our hands. It's much deeper than any of that . . . it's the hearts that we make and keep . . .

That's happiness.




*Skillet Beef Burritos*
Serves 4
Printable Recipe

Quick and easy to make and quite delicious! I always have leftover tortillas needing to be used up and this is the perfect way to do just that! You can also use tortilla chips if you want something a bit crunchier.

1 lb. extra lean ground beef
1 medium onion, peeled and finely chopped
1 fat clove of garlic, peeled and minced
1 package of Taco Seasoning Mix
1 can (15.5 oz.) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup chunky Salsa
1 cup water
4 flour tortillas (6 inch), cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces
1 cup grated cheese (I use a mixture of strong cheddar and red leicester)
1/3 cup Sour Cream
1 large spring onion, chopped
salt and pepper to taste

Spray a nonstick pan with some cooking spray. Add the beef, onion and garlic. Season with some salt and pepper. Scramble fry until nicely browned. Add the Taco seasoning mix, beans, salsa and water. Bring to the boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Simmer for about 15 minutes.Stir in the tortilla bits, top with the cheese. Cover and remove from the heat. Allow the cheese to melt before topping with the sour cream and spring onions.



In The English Kitchen today, a delicious Raspberry Feather Bread and Butter Pudding.

Friday this and that . . .

(Snap the Whip, Homer Winslow)



This is one of my favorite pieces of art. Entitled, Snap the Whip, it is merely a lineup of boys playing a game called Snap the Whip outside a one-room, red school house. I think the artist, Homer Winslow, has perfectly captured the essence and spirit of childhood and lush summer days.



From the Metropolital Museum of Art site: (Time Line of History)



Children embodied innocence and the promise of America's future and were depicted by many artists and writers during the 1870s. Here Homer reminisces about rural simplicity and reflects on the challenges of the complex post–Civil War world. Released from the confines of a one-room schoolhouse, exuberant boys engage in a spirited game. As the population shifted to cities and the little red schoolhouse faded from memory, this image would have evoked nostalgia for the nation's agrarian past. The boys' bare feet signal childhood's freedom but their suspenders are associated with manhood's responsibilities. Their game, which requires teamwork, strength, and calculation, may allude to the reunited nation. Observed from right to left, Homer's boys hang on to one another, strain to stay connected, run in perfect harmony, and fall away, enacting all the possible scenarios for men after the Civil War.

Source: Winslow Homer: Snap the Whip (50.41) | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History | The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Having said that, however . . . I do love the vivid colours used in this painting which, to my mind's eye, is filled with contrasts and relationships. I can feel the tension as one of the lads has fallen, whilst the others remain upright. You know that they are playing . . . but school work is not far off.



I don't think that "Snap the Whip" is ever a game that I played when I was growing up . . . although to be sure my mother was an expert at "Snap the Whip!" (albeit in a much different context!) She could wield a wooden spoon with great expertise, and we knew only too well that . . . if we wandered too far out of line . . . we would feel it's force on our bottoms! It is only because we lived in an urban setting that it wasn't a hickory switch she was applying. (I might add it never did us any harm! We all grew up to be decent law abiding, God fearing, well adjusted people!) My parent's discipline helped us to stay along the straight and narrow path, and helped to keep us out of trouble, and safe. They knew better than us what was right and what was wrong. I am ever grateful for their guidance.







There are times that our Heavenly Father snaps the whip too . . . lovingly guiding us onto a higher path. It's always for our own good. I like that. It gives me peace. The knowledge that His guidance is dispensed for our betterment gives me security. Knowing He is ultimately in charge . . . like I knew my mom and dad were in charge . . . helps to keep me on the right path and gives me the peace in knowing that whatever may come . . . God has a plan for me and that, even when things are difficult, they are all a part of that plan. Resistance is futile and will only bring sorrow and a much tougher row to hoe. I am ever in His care.







We have a pretty full day ahead of us today. We are off to the chapel this morning to clean the windows, that is . . . AFTER we give Mitzie a bath. She sorely needs one! She likes to chew on those pressed bones, and they leave an awful mess of guck at the bottoms of her ears and on her front paws. I really wish she didn't need to have them, but if she doesn't she resorts to chewing on other things like furniture! (Which is worse!) The guck I can wash off . . . the furniture is a bit harder to replace! (Look at that innocent face!!)



Then we are off to town on the bus, with a few errands to do. I have to bring a dessert to the church picnic tomorrow and so I will be picking up a few odds and sodds to put together for that and then just a general wander about while summer is still with us! I promise to stay away from Hotel Chocolate! ☺



It was really chilly here last evening, just right for a delicious autumnal casserole. I made this for Todd and I and we enjoyed every wonderful mouthful. You can make it in individual casserole dishes like I did, or you can make it in one larger one for the whole family to enjoy. It’s great any way you make it.







*Autumnal Chicken and Butternut Squash Casserole*

Serves 4

Printable Recipe



I love this casserole. There are so many flavours going on in it, but they all seem to meld together wonderfully . . . the sweetness of the roasted butternut squash, the savoury rich flavour of the cheese, earthy sage, tender slices of poached chicken, garlic and the delicious crunch of sweet almonds. It’s fabulous, but don’t just take my word for it, try it for yourself!



2 ½ pound butternut squash

2 TBS olive oil

2 cups milk

2 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced

4 skinless, boneless free range chicken breasts, of medium size

A whole nutmeg for grating

2 ounces (2 TBS) of butter

2 ounces (2 heaping TBS) of plain flour

1 ½ TBS roughly chopped fresh sage leaves

7 ounces (slightly less than 2 cups) of mature cheddar cheese, grated

½ cup flaked toasted almonds

Salt and pepper to taste



Pre-heat the oven to 200*C/425*F/ gas mark 6. Take four individual serving casserole dishes, or one large one, and place them on a baking tray. Set aside.



Peel the butternut squash, cut in half and remove the seeds. Slice it into ½ inch slices. Place on a baking tray and using your fingers toss it with the olive oil, making sure all the pieces are well coated. Season with some salt and pepper and then roast in the heated oven for 20 to 30 minutes, until tender and browning slightly in places. Give it a gentle stir about halfway though the roasting time.



While the squash is cooking get the chicken ready and make the sauce. Wipe the chicken breasts and then season each with salt, pepper and some grated nutmeg. Place them into a saucepan along with the milk and garlic, and bring it just up to the boil. Reduce the heat immediately to medium low, and let the chicken simmer in the hot milk, uncovered, for about 15 to 16 minutes, just until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside. Boiling it will toughen the chicken, so make sure it only simmers. If it starts to boil, remove the pan from the heat for a few minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken with a slotted spoon onto a plate to cool, reserving the milk for the sauce.



Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once it just starts to turn brown, remove it from the heat and whisk in the flour to keep the butter from burning. Slowly whisk in the hot milk and then return the pan to the heat, cooking and whisking until it is smooth and thickened slightly. Add 2/3 of the cheese a little at a time, whisking until it melts and is a smooth sauce. Add the sage and season to taste with salt, pepper and a touch of freshly grated nutmeg



Lay half of the butternut squash pieces in the bottom of the casseroles (casserole). Cover with half of the cheese sauce. Slice each chicken breast and lay this over the cheese sauce. Sprinkle half of the toasted almonds on top. Cover with the remaining roasted squash pieces. Spoon on the remaining half of the sauce, smoothing over the top to cover. I always take the tip of a knife and run it a bit here and there down around the sides to make sure the sauce seeps right down into the chicken beneath.



Scatter the remaining cheese and almonds over top. Place in the oven and bake for a further 25 to 30 minutes until the top is nicely browned and bubbling. Remove from the oven and let sit for about 10 minutes before serving. Delicious!



*Note, you can vary the type of cheese used in this if you like. A mixture of Parmesan and Pecorino are good. Also if you want to make it completely vegetarian you can add another vegetable or use all butternut squash leaving out the chicken completely. Blue cheese is also good mixed in with the cheddar cheese







In The English Kitchen today, Carrots with Lemon Sage Butter, deliciously different!

Poetry Saturday . . . O Cup of Life

O cup of Life that holds such precious brew,
The brightness of the morning cold as dew,
And sweet as honey in a golden comb,
The blessed comfort of a little home.



A field of purple clover out in bloom,
Filling the countryside with rich perfume,
Dipping away to the horizon's brim;
A meadow lark piping a morning hymn.



A little girl wearing a scarlet coat,
An old man hobbling out to cast his vote,
A new pram with a satin coverlet,
A little boy hugging his tiny pet.



A radio with a small golden face,
Whose probing finger seeks through worlds of space,
Across a continent and o'er a sea,
To bring a song into this room for me.



O cup of Life . . . give me of your rich wine,
That I may drink your vintage half divine,
and half of common earth where mortals eat,
The bread of heaven . . . made from common wheat.
~Edna Jaques, Fireside Poems, 1950

Oh, I do love this poem . . . it speaks of the simple pleasures in life that bring us so much joy and happiness . . . for it is in the small things that we find the most happiness . . . the things that money cannot buy nor plunder, but which lay free for the taking to each of us.

I did a couple of new paintings yesterday afternoon . . .



First there is a little watercolour of a fairy girl sitting on a garden bench holding a heart. I fell in love with the sentiment for this one. I thought it suited perfectly with the soft feel of the painting.



Next a baker girl with a very retro feel. I love the apron and the whimsical side to this. It would make a beautiful Birthday Card for a special friend I think.

As always they are available as prints or cards. Just send me a message and I'll let you know how! I had fun bringing them to life at any rate.

I just adore Tex Mex food. I used to love going to Taco Bell back home. I know there are some that would argue that Taco Bell's not really Tex Mex, and they are probably right, but I did enjoy regardless. Here, I try to do Tex Mex as best as I can. You can't always get the ingredients, but I make do with what I have. It always tastes good when it's done regardless of how authentic or in-authentic it is!




*Tex Mex Florentine Casserole*
Serves 9
Printable Recipe

This is sort of like a Tex Mex lasagna using biscuits instead of noodles. Delicious!

5 fresh poblano chiles (4 1/2 by 3 inches in size)
1 1/2 cups shredded monterey jack cheese
1 cup of shredded Strong Cheddar Cheese
1/3 cup of ricotta cheese
2 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 (9 ounce) box of frozen spinach thawed, squeezed to drain
1 tin of refrigerated biscuits (holding 10), or your own
favourite biscuit recipe
1 (10 ounce) tin of mild enchilada sauce
2 plum tomatoes, chopped (optional)
1/2 cup prepared guacamole (optional)
1/2 cup sour cream (optional)

Set your oven control to broil. Place the chilies on a cookie sheet, and broil 2 inches from the heat for about 10 minutes, turning frequently with tongs, until all sides are blackened and blistered. Place them in paper bag. Seal the bag and let steam for about 15 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 180*C/350*F/gas mark 4. Lightly spray an 8-inch square glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.

Mix the Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses together in a bowl. Reserve 3/4 cup for topping. In another bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, garlic, cumin and spinach. Stir in the Jack and Cheddar mix. Set aside.

Carefully peel the blackened skin from chiles. (I wear gloves.) Cut open and remove stems, seeds and membranes, discarding them. Cut each chile in half lengthwise into 2 pieces and pat dry.

Separate the biscuit dough into 10 biscuits. Separate each biscuit into 2 thin layers and flatten them slightly. (Alternately roll out your biscuit dough and cut it into 20 thin biscuits)

Pour half of the enchilada sauce over bottom of baking dish. Place 10 biscuit layers on sauce, cutting the biscuits if necessary to fit into dish. Top with 5 chile halves, then spread spinach mixture over chiles. Top with remaining 5 chiles halves and remaining 10 biscuit layers. Pour remaining enchilada sauce over over top.

Spray a sheet of foil with cooking spray. Cover the baking dish with the foil, sprayed side down. Bake in the heated oven for 55 to 60 minutes, or until thoroughly heated and bubbly around edges

Sprinkle with the reserved 3/4 cup shredded cheeses. Bake uncovered, 5 to 8 minutes longer or until the cheese is melted. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before cutting into squares to serve. Top each serving with tomatoes, guacamole and sour cream, if desired.



Serving up in The English Kitchen today, a delicious Double Crusted Plum Crisp!

A day in the life . . .

Who steals your heart with a magical touch?
Who ensnares your love in a wee angel clutch?
Who makes you a slave and a worshiper, too?
Who gets adoration, so lavish and true?
Who plays with your heartstrings like a
champion love maker?
Nobody but puppy . . . the little heartbreaker!

~Adapted from a poem entitled Nobody but Baby by Helen Steiner Rice



What is this new place that I have come to? I thought I was only going for a drive in the car with some nice new people, but where are my brothers and sisters? Where is my mummy? I have a lovely cage that I can go into and feel safe . . . it has my old blanket in here that smells of my family and my own teddy bear that smell like them too. Maybe it's not so bad after all . . .



Well . . . perhaps I'll stretch my legs a little tiny bit . . . just to see what new things there are here in this strange place that I've come to . . .



Hmmm . . . a bit stringy with a slight bouquet of . . . wait . . . wait . . . I think it's busy lizzie . . . yep, I'd recognize that taste anywhere!



There are so many new things here to explore . . . what's a gal to do!



New nooks and crannies to investigate . . . new smells and textures . . .



Not to mention a somewhat besotted crazy lady following me around with a camera everywhere. Is this what is known as the Parrapazi???



Well . . . perhaps just one still photo for my adoring public . . . what could it possibly hurt???



It's not so bad here after all . . . lots of toys to play with and I don't have to share them with anyone! Likewise the comfy bed and all the treats! There's a lovely big garden that's just mine, all mine! And two giant besotted humans that are doting on my every move . . . ahhhhh . . . celebrity. I could get used to this!



But . . . I think I'll take a nap first . . . sigh . . .

(and now back to your regular programming)

As you can all see Mitzie has arrived and settled in very well. In fact she is sitting next to me here on the sofa as I type, snoring away. She had a very good day yesterday and feels quite, quite at home . . . needless to say, she already has us both wrapped around her little doggie paw! She is just the best birthday present ever . . . for both of us. Our pooch loving hearts are filled to overflowing with love for this special little gal! Somehow I don't think our lives will ever be the same.

Many, many thanks for all of your lovely birthday wishes, both here and on Facebook . . . for the texts, and the lovely cards. I'm not sure what I did to deserve all of this goodness, but I musta done something good! I am most grateful for it and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart! You all made my special day even more special!

Oh yes . . . the winner of my Birthday Giveaway was lucky number 13! DonnaTN, please send me your postal details and I will pop it into the post on Monday!

Now, I am going to go and get me some more puppy love if you don't mind! In the meantime here is a tasty recipe that you can use to help get rid of some of those courgettes that are overtaking your garden! They're a very versatile vegetable! This is just one tasty way of many to use them up!!



*Calabacitas*
Serves 6
Printable Recipe

This is a Tex Mex dish and a great way to use up some of that garden glut of courgettes we all have in our gardens this time of year! Courgettes are one of those lovely vegetables that gladly take on the flavour of anything you cook them with.

1 onion, peeled and chopped
4 tsp olive oil
4 medium coourgettes, unpeeled and cubed
1/2 cup seeded and chopped green chillies
2 cups sweet corn kernels
salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 cup whole milk
1/2 cup grated medium cheddar cheese

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat and add the oil. When it is just shimmering add the onion and sauté it until it is softly translucent, stirring the whole time. Add the courgettes and chillies. Turn the heat down to medium low and cook, stirring from time to time for about 20 minutes or until the vegetables are just crispy tender, but still retaining their lovely green colour.

Add the corn and seasonings and cook for about 5 minutes longer. Finally, add the milk and the cheese, stirring constantly to help prevent the cheese from sticking, cooking and stirring until the cheese is melted. Serve immediately. I could eat the whole pan myself and nothing else!



Over on The English Kitchen today, a delcious Celebration Cake!