WIAW~October 30~A Lot Of Cottage Cheese

Life is crazy enough, but when you somehow lose the draft of your post, it gets really frustrating.  However, I must have done something wrong here today, so I begin again.  I love Wednesdays because I get to be part of What I Ate Wednesday, the fun-filled food fest (or food filled fun fest) hostessed by the lovely Jenn at Peas & Crayons.

Let me get right to it before I lose everything again!!

As the title suggests, it seems I’ve eaten a lot of cottage cheese lately.  I’m Ok with that because I really Like cottage cheese.  Maybe one week I’ll do an entire cottage cheese post.  We’ll see.  For the time being, let’s get started.

Simple breakfast at the diner…scrambled eggs and yes, cottage cheese.

A yummy homemade salad with salad from my sister Ele and cottage cheese, of course!  I don’t know why but I think this photo is really pretty.  Natural light is the key, I think. Tasty too…the salad, not the light.

A mushroom and spinach omelette, sprinkled with parmesan cheese and a side of cottage cheese! I’m sensing a pattern here!

One of my favorite lunches-Subway veggie delite.  On the bottom is pepper jack cheese toasted. Topped with spinach, tomatoes, onions green peppers and black olives. On top of that is the Southwest Chipotle sauce.  The Best!

Last but not least was yesterday’s breakfast…yes, I know when this one was.  An unexpected stop at Dunkin’ Donuts for breakfast/lunch.

A veggie egg white flatbread.  My favorite. Accompanied by a pumpkin iced coffee.  It was so good.  It had been a while for both things.  I try to duplicate the pumpkin coffee at home but without much success. No cottage cheese in this meal, but don’t worry, it’ll show up again next week!

I’ve been working hard to stay on track with my food this week.  I’m feeling much more like I’m back in control.  It’s a good feeling.  We’ll see what kind of results I get when I go to my Weight Watchers meeting on Saturday.  It helps to keep me on the straight and narrow.

That’s it for What I Ate Wednesday for me this week.  Be sure to check out what everyone else is eating over at Peas & Crayons.  It’s great fun…You’ll enjoy yourself!

Happy What I Ate Wednesday!

Week In Review~October 28~Dazed and Confused

Oh, I supposed I’m not all that dazed and confused but it sounded good.  Monday means Week In Review the list-fest hostessed by the tiny powerhouse Meghan from Clean Eats, Fast Feets. Here goes!

I’m still trying to find my way around being back in New Jersey. The first few days of the week were a blur and pretty much a loss…trying to catch up on sleep and unearth myself from everything that came out of the rental car.  Don’t know where some things went…Where is My GPS??  I’ll find it.

Monday we decided it was time to try the heater. No go. Well…thanks to the PSE&G man, Rob (who had been here before working on the heater) we have heat.  He did tell us that this might be the last season we get out of it.  I can work around the fridge issues and around my current dryer issues (Bless my best friend, Gail for letting me use hers) but if the heater doesn’t work…well I guess we’ll just have to make sure that we’re in our home in New Mexico where everything works!!  Rob has spoken…we have to move!

The heat is working well (too well because Ralph always has it set too high for my liking) I am going to get an appointment with PSE&G (again) to see if they can fix the dryer.  It’s great to have the worry free contract, they just come and fix it. But I’m not sure if they can fix the dryer (it’s pretty old…not as old as the fridge, but…) If not I’ll drop it from the contract, why pay if they can’t fix it?   Then we’ll have to work something out. I don’t really want to buy a new one here. It doesn’t make sense.  We’ll work out something.

I didn’t get much accomplished during the week.  Still trying to get back on track.  In spite of feeling Very off track food wise most of the week, I had a good result at Weight Watchers on Saturday.  I’m still way under my goal but I lost 1.4 pounds of what I gained while we were away.  I’m feeling much more in control of my food now.  Getting my mind in the right place.  I feel much better about it.

Saturday afternoon and Sunday were my big accomplishments for the week, I think.  Saturday afternoon, I decided to attack my spice cabinets.  I had such a huge amount of spices that were So old.  I’ve dealt with food products past their prime before and it’s not good to use them…especially cake mixes.  I got rid of about 10 containers-spices dumped, containers recycled, plus emptying the glass bottles  I received as a wedding present when I was married the First time. Those of you who know me in real life know how old they have to be. I’ll just say, they are almost as old as the fridge.  The glass containers are great and I’ll wash them and pack them to take to NM.  They’ll work well there.

Sunday, I decided to attack my pantry cabinet.  It’s a big, old free-standing metal cabinet that lives between the outside door of the house and the door into the kitchen.  It’s at the top of the basement stairs so I have to be careful not to step back too far to admire my work.

I cleared out so much.  I’m embarrassed to say how many things in there were out of date.  Both packaged and canned things.  Out they went.  I found a lot of things. I was annoyed, I had just bought a bag of lentils on Saturday and I found a bag in there.  Well, it’s time to break out one of Gram’s old lentil recipes…maybe two!  I filled one of my trash cans.  It’ll be fun on Friday when it’s time to put it out.

When I finished there, I tackled the corner cabinet over my counter that housed mugs and all of my plastic storage containers.  I decided that I was sick of looking at the plastic and most of them were kind of crusty looking and smelly.  The recycling guys will be happy to see all of that Tomorrow when I put it out.

Got rid of some mugs I didn’t want anymore.  They’re earmarked for donation. I did find something that I forgot about but that I love.

 

My wonderful Autumn mug that Ele gave me a few years ago.  It makes me happy to drink my coffee (if I wasn’t already happy enough to drink it!)  I’m drinking from it as I type this.

I just remembered that at some point ( I don’t know what day!!!) I sorted through books.  I weeded out 3 grocery bags filled with books, probably somewhere between 20 and 30  which I donated to the town library.  That was a real accomplishment.

That’s Week In Review for this week.  I’m feeling energized and  as soon as I finish here, I’m off to another project.  I’ll try to keep better track in the coming week.  Be sure to check out the other Week In Reviewers over at Clean Eats, Fast Feets.

Happy Monday!

Snapshot Saturday~October 26

I’m excited to be back and participating in Snapshot Saturday. Thanks to Melinda at West Metro Mommy for being our kind hostess for our weekly need to share our photos!  Be sure to check out all of the wonderful photos from all over.

When we were in New Mexico, I was bombarded by incredible sights daily.  Mountains, clouds, blue skies.  I took some pretty great photos that I will share as the weeks go on.  For this week I wanted to share something simple.

When in Silver City, we spend a lot of time at a local coffee shop, Java The Hut.  It’s a wonderful little place.  Great coffee and great for people watching too.  I should share photos of some of the characters, but not today.

Sometimes when looking for things to photograph, you’re just hit with simple beauty.  The area around Java The Hut is beautifully landscaped with lots of flowers and native plants.  I found this one day while walking through the foliage.

 

Morning glory, I think, growing in an agave plant.  I thought it was so simple and beautiful.  Looking at it now makes me homesick…I want to be back there.  Soon enough.

Be sure to check out the other great photographers over at West Metro Mommy.  This group has some pretty amazing photographers.

Happy Snapshot Saturday!

Strange But Good~October 25

One of the things I really missed while being away from blogging for a while was Strange But Good, hostessed by the lovely Laura at Sprint 2 The Table.  As I look at the dish I plan to share, I suppose it’s not that strange really…or am I just getting used to strange?  I suppose I’ll let you all be the judge.  I just want to be part of the SBG party!!

Since we’ve been back in NJ there has been a lot of “Let’s go to the diner,” and “Let’s call for delivery.”  Not really a good idea either financially or in the area of health.  We’re still dealing with refrigerator issues so that’s not helping me to have good foods on hand.  I’m working around it and just have to focus and get both of us back on track.

I was on my own for dinner last night so I just dove in, using what I had on hand and it was delicious.

 

On the bottom was bulgur that I had cooked (Ha Ha) the night before to add to a salad.  I sautéed onion and garlic.  I added pinto beans previously cooked in the crock pot and frozen (Ha Ha) green beans. I added several different flavors of Mrs. Dash.  I love Mrs. Dash and I’m getting into some of the more unique flavors along with the original.  Topped it all off with some pecorino romano cheese.  It was So good.  I forgot how much I enjoy dishes like this.  Quick and filling too!

I know that there are some people who would consider this odd, but hey, Strange But Good is why we’re here and this fills the bill.  Now that we’re back in NJ (however reluctantly) I’m going to try to do more cooking because it just makes sense.  Stand by for some experimentation.  That way I won’t be at a loss for things to post on Friday!

Be sure to check out the other folks posting their Strange But Good creations over at Sprint 2 The Table…you’ll like what you see!

Happy Friday!

WIAW in NM from NJ

I got a comment yesterday from the lovely Meghan at Clean Eats, Fast Feets telling me I shouldn’t feel like a slug for not blogging while away and being slow to start now that I’m back.  I’m taking her advise and there will be no more whining about what I did or didn’t do.  I’m here and I’m jumping in with both feet.

What better way to whet my feet than to jump right into What I Ate Wednesday?! I’ve missed reading (and talking) about food over the last month. This is the place to do both. WIAW is the fabulous link up created by the lovely new Momma, Jenn at Peas & Crayons.  I’ve got a lot to catch up on. Hope there are lots of baby pictures…need to get to know the chickpea!  Be sure to stop by at P & C when you’re finished here to see lots of great food and drool on your keyboard a little.

There was lots of great food in and around Silver City.  I did get some photos but I fell out of the habit of even taking photos after a while.  I did get some and here they come!

Ralph and I celebrated our anniversary while we were away.  This was dinner at Diane’s Restaurant.

If I remember correctly, there were greens and white beans under the Portobello mushroom.  When I go there again, I think I’ll ask for this over pasta rather than that huge slice of bread.  Delicious.

This was lunch at Vicki’s Eatery…a Mediterranean salad.  I’ve had this before and I always love it.  Stuffed grape leaves and hummus with pita just make it perfect.

We had breakfast several times a place called the Adobe Springs Cafe.  Not sure why but we haven’t gone here very often.  We went three times during this visit and we will go more often from now on.

This is their veggie omelette.  Spinach, green peppers, mushrooms, black olives, tomatoes and my addition of pepper jack cheese.  SO Good!!

Huevos Rancheros.  I think I’m spelling that correctly.  Under there are blue corn tortillas and beans.  This was so good.  Actually, it looks like a Halloween mask.  I Will have this again!!

One of our favorite place in Silver is Alotta Gelato.  They have delicious gelato made on the premises and it couldn’t be better.

This is pumpkin pie.  I had it several times.  There are lots of other unique and delicious flavors.  The lemon is SO lemony.  They’re all wonderful as are the owners, Mitch and Starr.  Great folks.

Now I’m back in New Jersey.  While in Silver City I could not go to a Weight Watchers meeting because…there Are None!! Well, of course I could drive to Las Cruces…two hours away! But even I’m not that dedicated.  We’ll see what happens, when we actually move there…I’m going to need some support.  I wasn’t happy (or especially surprised) when I got on the scale at Saturday morning’s meeting.  I had gained 7 pounds.  I’m still way under goal and I think most of that was due to the last few days of the trip.  Southern food is heavy.  So I promised no whining.  I’m back on track already.

This was lunch yesterday…

Look familiar?! Rice cakes with cottage cheese and sweet pickle relish.  This will get me back on track.  I should have good news after next Saturday’s meeting.  Oh, my the way…we pulled up in front of our house at 2:30 am Friday night into Saturday morning.  I was up at 5:30 am to get ready to go to my Weight Watchers meeting.  Do you think I needed a meeting?!?  I’d say YES!!

That’s What I Ate Wednesday for me this week.  Be sure to check out all the fun over at Peas & Crayons. As for me, I’m off to dive into a pile of something and get back to my clearing out.  If I get this all accomplished, pretty soon I’ll be sending my WIAW posts from New Mexico.  Fingers Crossed!!

Happy What I Ate Wednesday!

Week In Review~October 21

As I begin my Week In Review post, I realize that one of the things I haven’t done since coming back to New Jersey is flip to the October page on my calendar. I keep notes and such on it so it’s more than a simple flip of the page.  Hopefully, I’ll get to it before November!   So, Welcome to Week In Review.  This is a wonderful link-up by the ever list-worthy Meghan at Clean Eats, Fast Feets.  Be sure to check things out over at CEFF when you’ve finished here.

It’s supposed to be all about the lists but as always I’m a bit disjointed after over a month away. This will be all over the place.  I wish I could focus (Oh, that word again…) on the entire trip, but I’ll give some highlights and leave it at that.

FIRSTS~

1. Pad Thai-I hear about this all over the blog world but I’ve never had it.  I had the opportunity while in New Mexico. The funny thing was that it was at an Asian buffet restaurant.  I asked the server for a menu and you might have thought I had three heads by the look I got.  Guess they don’t get asked for a menu very often. It took a while to get it (Ralph was through two plates of buffet before I got mine) but it was worth it. So much so that I ordered it again on a different visit.  (Apparently I only had two heads on that visit…not such a shocked look when I asked for the menu.)

2. Having to call for a replacement rental car due to technical difficulties.  It was a long process (that’s what happens when you break down in Nowhere, Texas) but after about six hours we had another car and were on our way.  I guess I’m glad this happened on the way back from NM although at this point we were in a time crunch and it added to our frustration.

3. Having the opportunity to spend almost a month at our home in New Mexico.  It reinforced my determination to be there permanently.  Now to Do It!

4. Going to a military graduation. That was the reason for the time crunch on our return trip.  We were heading to Ft. Jackson in Columbia, SC for our grandson Patrick’s graduation from Basic Training.  It was an amazing experience.  Since we’re scattered around the country now (Ralph and I will be scattered soon, I promise…) we had the chance to all get together.

Alex, Me, Ralph, Bill, Patrick, Heather and Pat.

Patrick just after the graduation ceremony.  We are so proud of him.  I love a man in uniform!

Patrick and Alex-Brothers saying good-bye before Patrick was off to Ft. Gordon for AIT (Advanced Individual Training-I’m trying to learn these military terms.)

REALIZATIONS~

1. Our grandsons are growing up. They’re great kids (young men) and we’re proud of them both.  They’ll both make their mark in the world.

2. No matter how you do it, Texas is one dang, long state…especially in the dark and in the middle of Nowhere.

3.  I will be living in New Mexico sooner rather than later.  This trip cemented one thing for me.  NM is where I want to be and I am going to do all that I can to be there.  There is still a lot of work to do here in order to make that happen.  I’m selling everything that I can and donating what I can’t sell. I’m thinking that Craigslist might become my best friend soon.  Can you put your house on Craigslist?  If not I have two old houses to sell, As Is…make me an offer!

4.  I blogged only sporadically while we were away.  I missed it.  Most mornings as I sat drinking my coffee, reading and looking at the sunrise, I felt that I should be doing something.  That something was writing a post.  I actually did some writing while I was there.  All those sunrises inspired me to write some poetry.  I haven’t done much of that in a long time and it made me happy.  I’m going to try to keep at it.  Another reason to be in NM…Inspiration.

There really are hundreds of other things I could add to this.  I may try to do a recap post at some point.  But for now I just want to get back on track with posting in general.  I love doing this and I shouldn’t have been such a slug while we were away.  If I had been on track I wouldn’t be trying to play catch up now.  That seems to be the story of my life.  But I’m back and happy to be sharing with all of you.

That’s Week In Review.  Be sure to check out the other linkers over at Clean Eats, Fast Feets.  Leave some comments.  We all love your comments.

Happy Monday!

Back

I do realize that I’ve been missing in action but hopefully you’ve seen from Twitter and Instagram that I am still among the living!

LONG trip back from New Mexico.  Both Ralph and I are worn out in many ways.  I’ve got so many things to share about the trip…filling in pieces from New Mexico, and from our visit to South Carolina to see our grandson, Patrick graduate from basic training.  We’re all so proud of him.

Trying to gather my thoughts here after not much sleep for the last week.  There may need to be a second pot of coffee in my future!

Even though I’d rather still be in New Mexico…I’m off to make the most of my day!  I’ll be back tomorrow with Week In Review…Guess that should be Month in Review!!  Either way…I’ll be back tomorrow!!

Happy Sunday!