The Simple Woman's Daybook . . .

FOR TODAY, November 16th, 2009 ...

Outside My Window...
It is dark and very, very still. The winds and rain seem to have died down for the moment. It was horrendous all weekend. I expect that there will be hardly any leaves left on the trees now! This was the worst I have ever seen the wind over here. They said on the telly that they had clocked in at over 100mph in some places!

I am thinking...
About the lovely weekend we just spent with the two Phil's. They are such lovely folk, I hated to see them go. Todd and I have been very lucky with our friends. We seem to get the nice ones every time! I look forward to the day when he will get to meet Lura and her husband John, and I hope it's more sooner than later!

I am thankful for...
So far I have managed to avoid getting the Swine Flu. (I know . . . I just jinxed myself!) My niece Hannah has it right now. She is my brother's youngest daughter. I hope she will be ok, and am keeping her in my prayers.

From the kitchen...
There's leftover Lemon Cake and Gingerbread, but not a lot else. I was just exhausted yesterday afternoon and instead of baking like I normally do on Sunday Afternoons, I actually did nothing at all!! (except call my mom)

I am wearing...
A blue nightie and my blue terry cloth robe. Cosy and warm. Oh how I long to have a good old fashioned Flannel nightgown. I have never seen such a thing over here. I'll have to pick one up for myself, next time I go to Canada I think.

I am creating...



I was making pot holders the other day. I got the cutest little book called "Pretty Little Potholders." It is just filled with lovely little projects, that are quite doable for me in the time that I have to do such things. The ones I did the other day are bright and very colourful. I think every kitchen should have some nice spots of bright colour in them, don't you?

I am going...
I have a very busy few weeks ahead! There is work, of course, and they will be celebrating Thanksgiving up there next week. I think I am doing dinner for some 30+ people, which reminds me I better order the turkeys this week. There will be all the usual jobs and then the extra things that are involved when you have a lot of extra people staying in the big house and guest house. A lotta lotta cooking! Plus I have the missionaries coming over for their tea tomorrow night and then my Seminary on Thursday. I expect the time will just fly by this week!

I am reading...



Am still on Forever Amber. It is quite a thick book. I think it's fun to read books more than once. I have my favourites that I read over and over again, kind of like visiting an old friend from time to time. Or at least that's my thoughts on it at any rate!


I am hoping...
That no news is good news. I haven't heard a peep from my Bruce or even from his dad. Nobody has let me know his address so for now, I just pray, wait and hope that all is ok.

I am hearing...
I am hearing nothing but the ticking of the clock, the humming of the refrigerator, the clicking of my keys and Jess's gentle snores from over in the corner. It is so very quiet in here. There is peace in the silence, that is at once comforting and calming at the same time. Wait . . . I think I hear rain. Yep . . . I hear rain, just the little pitter patter against the windows.

Around the house...
I have those Christmas packages to get into the post and a few art orders as well. The house is pretty tidy so not a lot to do there, thank goodness!!

One of my favorite things...
is doing this daybook each week! It's nice to sit still and reflect on all the things in my life . . . the things that bless me, the things that keep my busy, the things and people that I love. As Martha would say . . . "It's a good thing!"


A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...
Work, scripture study, my art course and hopefully a bit of play! Nothing out of the ordinary, well, except for the missionaries coming over tomorrow night for their tea, and company arriving up at work. Don't think I'll be getting in much play for some reason!!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...



One side of the long drive leading down the laneway to our cottage, is just filled to overflowing with rose hips this time of year. They're so pretty and the birds just love them. I have always wanted to make rose hip jelly and every year I tell myself that this is the year I am going to do it . . . but then I see the birds enjoying them, and I don't have the heart to do it . . . and so . . . I leave the feasting to them.

And there you have it, my Simple Woman's Day Book for today. 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!)

There is nothing my Todd enjoys more than a nice chop or a bit of steak. He is a meat and potatoes man through and through, bless his little cotton socks!




*Crispy Pork Chops and Applesauce*
Serves 4
Printable Recipe

Crisp and golden on the outside, moist and juicy on the inside. This is another favourite around here. I can never eat this without hearing Bobby Brady (from the Brady Bunch) lisping "Pork Chopssss and applessssausss," in his best Humphrey Bogart voice.

1 1/2 to 1/34 pounds of pork chops (I like to get the ones with the bone in if I can. The meat
always tastes better)
3/4 cup flour
salt and black pepper to taste
garlic powder to taste
2 large eggs
1 cup fine dry bread crumbs
oil for frying
1 cup applesauce, to serve (your own or storebought)

Place the flour into a shallow dish. Beat the eggs together in another shallow dish, and put the bread crumbs in a third shallow dish.

Dust the pork chops well with some salt, pepper and a bit of garlic powder on each side. Working with one at a time, dredge them each in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip them into the egg on each side and then finally coat them in the bread crumbs, pressing them a bit to help them to adhere. Set the chops aside on a plate until you have done coating each one.

Pre-heat the oven to 180*C/350*F.

Heat a large heavy skillet over moderate heat and add some cooking oil, about 1/4 of an inch thick. Heat that until it just shimmers. Add the pork chops and pan fry them for about 6 to 8 minutes, turning them once, until they are golden brown of each side. Remove to a shallow baking tray. Once they are all browned and on the tray, place them into the oven and roast them for about 7 minutes, until they are completely cooked all the way though and the juices run clear. Serve hot with some applesauce on the side.



I'm banging on about Christmas Cakes over on The English Kitchen today!