WIAW~So How Was YOUR Week?

How do we always seem to get back around to Wednesday so Quickly?!  Well, here it is again and that means it’s time to gather where all the bloggers are friendly and all the food delicious…Peas and Crayons…the crazy domain of Jenn the gracious hostess and creator of What I Ate Wednesday!  Be sure to check out all of the fun over there when you’re finished here!

This was a fun week but not one I’d necessarily confess to my friends at Weight Watchers.  Regardless, it was an interesting mix of things.

 

I give you a Tower of pumpkin pie yogurt.  Aldi had these two weeks ago and I bought 2 because it sounded good.  You can never be sure with these specialty flavors…sometimes they’re good, sometimes not so good.  This is delicious and the next time I was there, I had my fingers crossed that there would still be some left.  Yes!!  I’ve been going through these pretty fast.  It’s very tasty!

 

Another pumpkin shot.  Ok, I realize that it looks like an empty IHOP coffee cup.  It is.  But where there’s IHOP…there’s pancakes…and for me this time of year it had to be pumpkin pancakes.  I did ask for them with no whipped cream and I used the sugar-free syrup.  They were also delicious! I’m so glad there’s Not an IHOP closer.  That would be dangerous.

One afternoon last week, Ralph and I decided to go to one of our favorite nearby Italian restaurants.  Usually, we only get salads or sandwiches. But this was late afternoon and almost dinner time so we decided to have a real dinner.  We were both Very pleased.  I started off with a salad.

 

This was huge for a dinner salad and it was delicious.  I got it with the balsamic vinaigrette.  So good and really very filling.

Part of the “filling” aspect was this…

 

This is their bread with the seasoned oil.  This bread is So delicious, I could go in for just that.  Always crispy on the outside and soft and fresh and warm on the inside.  Yum.

Finally we get to dinner itself.  I’m usually pretty much a pasta girl but their special that night was Gnocchi Siciliano.  This was basically gnocchi, which I’ve never had before, with eggplant, tomatoes, a creamy sauce and CHEESE!  It was amazing.

 

I only finished about a third of it.  I took it home and had it for dinner the next night.  This was so good and so over the top as far as trying to figure out the Weight Watchers Points that I think I wrote down 15 Points for it the first night and 20 Points the next night.  At least I’m honest when I write down my Points…Good or Bad…I write them down.

That’s my WIAW post for this week.  If you want (need!) more just stop by Peas and Crayons…You’ll find what you’re looking for!

Happy What I Ate Wednesday!

Strange But Good~May 31

By now, you all know that I love participating in Strange But Good…the wonderful Friday link-up created by Laura at Sprint 2 The Table.  I’ve always gotten side long glances from people regarding what I eat.  The family is used to me but others…I get the funny looks.

But due to various current issues (fridge/freezer issues are on going…plus life in general) I haven’t been doing much in the way of cooking.  So please don’t listen too closely or you may hear me scraping the bottom of the barrel.  😉

However…it will not STOP me!!

I love coffee…I LOVE COFFEE!  So I’ve confessed.  The funny thing about me though as a coffee drinker is, I rarely drink it after my morning coffee.  I’ll have the occasional Dunkin’ Donuts meet up or once in a while a Starbucks when I’m at Barnes and Noble (Love the new blonde roast!) but generally, it’s me and my morning coffee.

There’s a dumb thing that you’d think I would have been doing all along, but in the last month or so, I’ve started setting my coffee up at night.  I can’t tell you how great it is to come into the kitchen and just Push The Button! No messing with water or filters…just Push The Button.  The coffee starts, I open up the computer and then the coffee is ready. It’s a wonderful thing.

So how does any of this fit into Strange But Good.

 

My favorite coffee in my current favorite mug (69 cents at Goodwill-can’t resist telling you that!) (still annoyed that there is no longer a “cents” symbol on keyboards…) What’s so special about this coffee?  Well, I suppose there’s nothing especially special or strange about this coffee but when I tell people about it, I sometimes get that tilted dog head look from them.

This is known in our family as “beach coffee.”  The reason for that is a long story that I don’t feel like telling right now.  Hmmm…seems I say that a lot…oh, well.  Someday I can write a post called “All of those stories I didn’t feel like telling before.” Maybe it should be a series!

This coffee is simple but it does need to come with some instructions.  Prepare to make your coffee with however much water and however much coffee you want.  Before you turn on the machine, sprinkle cinnamon into the coffee grounds.  You can use as little or as much as you like.  I never measure it, I just shake it in and I add quite a bit because I like it that way.  The caution about it is this…be Sure to mix the cinnamon into the coffee grounds before you turn on the machine.   For some reason, the cinnamon forms a barrier to the water.  I have several times had the coffee overflow because the water can’t penetrate the cinnamon.  Not sure why that is, but it does.

Simple, right?  Yes it is which is what makes it so good.  It doesn’t take much effort on my part to make something unique and tasty. Besides, the cinnamon is good for me and the combination of the smell of coffee and cinnamon is a wonderful thing to wake up to!

Be sure to stop by Sprint 2 The Table to see the fun things that people are actually cooking to qualify for Strange But Good…oh, Yes, leave some comments, too!

Happy Friday!!

Sunday Project

It was supposed to be my Saturday project, but as Ralph likes to say…”lift and shift.”  I think that’s a military phrase.  I’m not sure if it means what I intend, but I mean is, make the most of the day even if you didn’t get to do so the day before.  In the coming weeks and months, I hope there will be a lot of “lifting” and “shifting” going on around here!

I had planned to start our Christmas cards on Saturday, but Sunday became the day instead.

I got quite a few of them done, with more to be done.  I really must do a better job of organizing my addresses.  I’m missing some and some, although I know they’ve changed, I couldn’t find the changes!  Found myself sending several e-mails and Facebook messages to obtain the new ones and clarify the old ones.

I used to have a program that I typed the names and addresses in and then printed out address labels.  Apparently you can do that in Microsoft Word also.  That should probably be on my list of goals for 2013.  Getting that all set up again.  It was so nice.  It took no time to address the cards which left me much more in the mood to add personal notes to cards.  Ok…you’ve convinced me.  That’s officially On The List!!!

I did get quite a bit done which pleased me.  I will eventually show you all the card, but I’ll hold off until they’ve gone out in the mail and they’ve been received.  I think that’s only fair.

It was fun to work on the cards while listening to my friends, Valerie and Mark Andruss do their Christmas radio show on KKFI 90.1 in Kansas City.  They do a show every other week called Foolkiller Folk.  It is just amazing to me that I get to listen to my old college friend over the internet.  The music is great and though we don’t see them very often, it makes me feel close to them.  A nice thing for the Holidays.

To nudge up my Holiday spirit, I dug this out…

My Santa Moon mug.  I can’t remember when I first saw Santa portrayed as a moon, but I think it’s a wonderful image.  These are great mugs too, because they’re big.  I’m drinking my gingerbread coffee from Aldi in it as I write.

Another rainy, foggy day out there, today.  As the light comes up, I might try for a few more foggy photos.

Today’s agenda is Cards, Cards, Cards!  I’d like to have the majority in the mail by days’ end.  Then I can concentrate on establishing a beach head for the Christmas tree.

I’m off to be productive!

Happy Monday!!

Slow Poke Sunday

Sunday seemed like a slow and easy day.  In fact it almost feels like the day didn’t happen.  I suppose that means that nothing traumatic happened.  I can’t complain about that. 🙂

I was up early and got a few things done.  When it was time for breakfast, I woke Ralph and we enjoyed a little time together.

Ele and I had planned on going out for coffee.  Our choice was a fairly obvious one…Barnes & Noble.

I had a sugar-free, fat-free gingerbread latte.  It was very tasty, but I thought I remembered the sugar-free syrup being unsweetened and I was planning to add some Splenda.  Fortunately, I tasted it first because it was perfect as is.  The snack in the background was Ele’s and though she repeatedly offered to share (Thank you, Ele!!) I resisted.  That’s my plan…Focused and On Track! 

I had a 20% off one item coupon that was expiring on Sunday, but couldn’t find anything I felt I wanted to use it on.  I’m SO Cheap…umm…Frugal anymore.  Can’t bring myself to spend real money on books.  I “shop looked” at Nooks again.  They’ve just reduced the prices on some of the versions and I know I have enough gift cards so, I think now is the time.  I just want to do it when it’s not crazy and crowded.  I’ll need to get there when the store first opens one day. In fact, Ele and I discussed that this was probably the last chance we’ll have to actually find a seat in the cafe, with the Holidays upon us.  We took advantage of it and enjoyed our time there.

I spent most of the rest of the day relaxing and reading.  Ralph was in the dumps when I got home because the Eagles were doing so poorly.  It’s sad for all of the fans who are so loyal.  That’s all I’ll say, at least with the Phillies, we win sometimes!

As I was sitting comfy on the bed reading, I caught a glimpse of color out of the side window to the West.  Sunset!!

I love when I catch these types of shots.  It makes me so happy.  I really want to work more on photography.  That’s one of my goals for 2013.  Yikes, I guess it’s time to start my list of goals.  I should also probably look back and see how I did with my 2012 list of goals.  I’m almost afraid to look!! 😦

On to a great Holiday Week!!

Happy Monday!!

Day After Birthday

Having survived my birthday, it was time for some continuing birthday celebrations, although they were low-key.

I had coupons, so guess where Ralph and I went for breakfast?

Why, Dunkin’ Donuts of course!  I had my first of their pumpkin spiced coffee (yum!) plus a veggie omelette flatbread (also yum!) These are so tasty and they are very filling.  Only cost me 7 Points on Weight Watchers.  Good Deal!

After breakfast, I had plans to go to Barnes & Noble with Ele, Jim and little Michael…so what else is new?!  Ralph had some things to work on and a football game at 1pm so he stayed home.  Since I got more gift cards for my birthday, I did some more Nook-looking because I think I have enough now to buy one.  Still have to decide.

Michael reading a book that Grummy Ele was buying him (hidden in his lap) and eating a cookie bigger than his head.  I swear that cookie stayed the same size in spite of the fact that he was eating it!

I was good, only had a cool lime refresher.  I was afraid they would only have them for the summer, but it looks like they’re on the permanent menu now.  I bought The Giver by Lois Lowry.  I only recently heard about this book.  I actually just found the second and third books in the series at the library on their “for sale” shelf for 50 cents each!  I decided I could give myself a birthday gift of the first in the series.  Only $6.99, pretty good.

I used one of my gift cards for the book and for this…

My new planner for 2013.  The good thing is it’s an 18 month planner so I can start it now! It has the weekly calendar on the left and a page for notes/lists on the right.  I need to get myself more organized and this is part of my effort.  I’m excited that I get to start now.  It was 20% off plus my 10% member discount, so a pretty good deal.  Now to get organized!! 😉

So I had a very good Day After.  We have a birthday celebration on Wednesday for Me and Ralph’s sister Maddie so I’ve got to be very mindful for the next two days so I’ll feel in control for that day. I’m feeling really good about all of this.

I’m off to make good choices and celebrate my Birthday Month!

Happy Monday!

WIAW~I Have To Get In A Car…Again?!?!

Good Morning and Happy What I Ate Wednesday!  For any of you who don’t know what WIAW is…it’s a fun time cooked up by Jenn over at Peas & Crayons.  All of the really Fun kids (You can be one!) hang out over there, posting our fabulous foods for the week and oohing and aahing with comments about each other’s posts.  Join us…It’s Fun!!

Fall is my favorite time of year and the time when Ralph and I head out for his Army Reunion.  This year we’re heading to Atlanta.  I’m excited because while at the Reunion we’ll get to see an old friend of mine from college who I haven’t seen in many years.  So excited about that.  Of course, last year after the Reunion we drove to New Mexico.  Wonder if I can do some razzle dazzle on Ralph and make him forget we’ve already BEEN there and that we NEED TO BE there?!?!  Probably not, but I can try! 😉

So on to the food!!

One of my 3 ingredient (well…4 this time) meals ready in 7 minutes.  Whole wheat pasta cooked up and at the same time a can of Ro-Tel tomatoes with green chillies cooked up with some crock pot black beans and topped with Romano cheese.  So good, filling and Quick!

Not much in the house because we’re heading out.  Lunch on Tuesday was a sliced apple and two rice cakes with Sunflower butter.  Very good, but I think the rice cakes were getting stale.  Didn’t matter, I only really wanted the Sunflower butter anyway!! 🙂

Dinner (again because there wasn’t much in the house) was a Morningstar Farms spicy black bean burger on a sandwich thin with American cheese and pickled jalapeno.  If you told me a few years ago that I would be half way through a jar of jalapeno in such a short time, I would have said you were crazy,but I just love these!  It was a fast and easy dinner.

One of my favorite drinks the last few days? Or maybe my Favorite…

Fresh hot coffee made with the addition of pumpkin pie spice in my wonderful Big Purple Mug…second cousin to my Big Purple Bowl…I think.  You put the coffee in the filter the regular way, then shake some PPS into the coffee.  Be sure to stir it in otherwise the spice forms a barrier and the water over flows.  Who Knew?   Nevertheless…its’ Delicious!  Try it!

So that’s WIAW for me this week.  I’ll be on the road when you read this.  Hopefully I can figure out a way to post it to Peas & Crayons from the road.

Happy What I Ate Wednesday!!  Yes, we’re on the Road Again!!

And Saturday Went On Forever..

One of the things that Ralph and I notice when we’re in Silver City, is that the days seem to last forever.  We think that part of that is due to the fact that where our house is located (on top of a hill), we see the first of the sunrise and the last of the sunset.  Another reason is probably because we’re so relaxed here.

We were up early because we wanted to head off to the farmer’s market and because we expected company. Sadly, our company wasn’t able to visit, but they will at some time while we’re here. We were sorry to miss them.

We did get down into town early to head to the farmer’s market.  My plan was really just to look.  Since we’re heading to California on Tuesday, I didn’t want to buy a lot of things that might not last till we got back.

The farmer’s market is a very eclectic place.  I didn’t take a lot of pictures this time, but here are a few.

 

I ended up only buying some locally grown lettuce, which ended up in a delicious salad later.  We’ll miss the market next week but when we get back from California, I’ll have two more chances.

Ralph left me at the market to walk to a mailbox, and I walked up the street to meet him when I was finished.  We met up at a little sidewalk display of a lady who makes earrings.  Of course Ralph had to buy me a couple of pairs…that’s the way he is.  As I was looking at them I thought that they looked similar in design to the ones I was wearing which we had bought at a shop here a few years ago.  As we were paying the lady, she looked at my earrings and said, “I think you’re wearing my earrings.”  I told her I had thought the same thing. When I told her where I’d gotten them, she said that she had displayed her work there.  Cool!

We then headed to the little thrift store sponsored by the local ladies Garden Club. (only in Silver City!) Ralph got a briefcase sort of thing, but I couldn’t resist the fact that all clothing was on sale for 50 Cents!!  I got three pieces, which I forgot to photograph, I’ll catch up on that and post some photos!  I was so excited!

We of course needed our coffee fix for the day and headed to Java the Hut.  We met a new collection of “characters.”  Ralph made friends with a gentleman who was a retired Marine (they had lots to talk about) and I spent time talking to a lady who is a jewelry artist And a psychic.  She was so interesting.  When she moved from California to Silver City, she and all of her worldly possessions traveled by bike!  What a story.

We decided we need lunch and we picked an old favorite, Vicki’s Eatery.  Actually within walking distance but we took the car because we were heading out anyway.

This was my luscious Mediterranean Salad plate…

Lettuce, cucumbers, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, two kinds of olives, feta cheese, onions and a wonderful sun-dried tomato vinaigrette.  With hummus and pita on the side.  I saved that for last, like dessert!  To drink was wonderful unsweetened raspberry iced tea.  You dont’ find that very often.  We’ve been here before and loved it.  Last time I had one of their specials, but the lady who sat at the table next to us had this and I vowed the next time it would be mine.  Well worth the wait!!

After lunch we stopped at a pawn shop and a rummage sale.  I don’t think I’ve ever seen Ralph do so much walking…his doctor would be so happy!

There were several areas throughout town that were having little sidewalk sales.  I had seen something on our way in to the market that I really wanted but didn’t think I should spend the money for.  I told myself if it was still there when we came back to the car, I would buy it.

  This is a piece of Roseville pottery.  I don’t think I’ve ever talked about it on BCDC but I have a rather large collection of it.  I haven’t bought any in recent years because it’s getting expensive and most of it is packed away now in anticipation of our move.  This pattern is sunflower which is not an easy one to find.  I tried to talk the lady down on the price which was already quite good, but I had to try. 😉  I know how much it’s worth and trust me I got a Good deal!  I’m excited, now the house in New Mexico has a piece of Roseville…as it should be.

When we got home, I made dinner and we watched a movie on our little DVD player.  It was very nice.  As Ralph and I were talking, we mentioned thinking how long the day had been.  We both thought that when we were sitting at Java having our coffee that it had been about 2 in the afternoon.  It was only 11am!!  The days go on forever, and so has this post.

Happy Sunday!!

The Weekend? I Can’t Remember What Day It Is!

Several times on Friday, people wished us a good weekend.  It’s the weekend?  It’s Friday?  We’re still a little confused and a little behind…

Got some cleaning done around the house on Friday.  Being so sluggish all week, I didn’t accomplish what I usually would in the first day or so.  But now things are looking better.  That’s a good thing because we have friends coming to visit us on Saturday from El Paso.  Ralph thinks they’ll be staying over, but I don’t think they will.  They’re an older couple, set in their ways.  Hmmm…that sounds a little bit familiar! 😉  We’re looking forward to the visit.

I’m also excited because Saturday in Silver City means the farmer’s market!  They always have unique and interesting things there.  When we were here last year because of various reasons, I never got to go.  I’m excited I’ll get to this time.  We’ll see what treasures we find.

We went into town to get some copies made of Ralph’s artwork.  The store where we get that done also has a bead store in it.  The young man who runs it also does jewelry repair.  I had two bracelets which needed to be repaired and he was able to fix them for me.  With all my bracelets on, I’m jingling like a Gypsy!

While we were in town, we couldn’t resist another visit to Java The Hut.

The entire area around Java and The Hub area is filled with beautiful flowers.  I’ll take some more photos of them over the next few days.  We decided to have lunch there again…and of course Coffee!!

Marcia, the owner put together a wonderful veggie sandwich for me!

It was on wonderful 7 grain bread with lettuce, tomato, red bell pepper, cucumbers, swiss cheese, cheddar cheese and mayo.  So Good!!  Of course you know, I did Not eat the chips!  Those were Ralph’s!  I had to be good because later…I was not so good.  And since there is no photographic evidence ( I honestly forgot!)  I guess it doesn’t count!

So we’re looking forward to Saturday’s visit to the farmer’s market.  I’m sure I’ll have get interesting photos there…that’s where all the hippies meet!

Happy Saturday!

Feeling Almost Human

So far most of our time since our arrival in New Mexico had involved drinking water and napping.  The road trip itself, the time change and I think the altitude were all responsible for the napping.  I drink a lot of water on a regular basis, but here because of the dryness, more water is definitely necessary.  Glad I brought my big Weight Watchers 32 ounce mug with me.  Fill it up and drink it down.  I keep it with me and I’m ok.  I think I filled it up three times and drank it down three times on Wednesday.

I almost said Monday, my days are still a bit confused, Ralph’s, too.  We decided though that we needed to get into town to see how the old place has been doing without us.  Our first stop was at probably our favorite place, Java The Hut.  It’s a wonderful tiny, sort of indoor outdoor coffee shop.  It’s not fancy, but it has a wonderful atmosphere and we try to go there as often as possible while we’re here.  The coffee is excellent.  Our friend, Marcia, the owner told us that she went through a lot of coffee blends to come up with just the right one.  It’s rich and strong but not bitter.  We fell in love with Marcia the first time we met her and have remained friends.  I didn’t take any photos of the shop but you’ll see it soon.

We decided we needed lunch before coffee.  Ralph had a sandwich from Java, ham salad which he declared “excellent.”  I opted to get mine at Diane’s Bakery and Deli, just a few steps away and also a part of The Hub.  The Hub is a great little complex of eateries here in Silver City.  Diane’s has lots of sandwich options, all on fresh made rolls.  I’ve had their veggie before and wanted it again.  You get lettuce, tomatoes, onions, banana peppers, mayo, mustard, oil and vinegar.  You also get your choice of 2 cheeses and are they interesting and delicious.  I had horseradish cheddar and pepper jack/colby.  It was so good.

My roll was whole wheat.  It also came with a pickle and a cookie!  I gave both of those to Ralph.  I’m Trying To Be Good.  You all heard me say that. We just sat outside of Java The Hut in the little terrace area.  We got to meet a man who Marcia referred to as “the character of the day.”  Believe me, Silver City is full of them and they all seem to gravitate to Java The Hut. It’s the place to be!

I don’t want to bore you all with my speeches about the beauty of New Mexico.  How many words can I replace with this picture?

Full moon at sunrise over the valley.  ‘Nuff Said.

Happy Thursday! (Had to think before I typed that!) That’s all for the moment from the Land of Enchantment!

 

Stressed

Monday had a very early start for Ralph and Me. I hadn’t mentioned it to anyone in advance, but Ralph had a stress test scheduled for 7:30am.  He did not want anyone knowing about the test.  Ralph’s not an early morning person, but this was something he had to do, so he cooperated.  The worst part for him was that he was not allowed to have caffeine for 12 hours prior to the test so he couldn’t have coffee.  If he couldn’t have coffee, I couldn’t bring myself to make some for myself.  I couldn’t do that to him.  I wouldn’t be happy if the roles were reversed.  😦

We got there 15 minutes early as requested, got all of the paperwork completed and soon he was back with the techs.  I was stuck in the waiting room with Good Morning America blasting in the background, and then Kelly Ripa.  THAT really made me happy… A waiting room whose entire stock of magazines were Sports Illustrated or other sports related magazines…all seemingly directed at men.  Not a People or Us to be had.  Finally a lady sitting next to me found a Better Homes and Gardens and kindly shared it with me when she was finished.  This is beginning to sound like Magazinus Interruptus Redux! 😉

However, I as always was armed with my book which took my mind off of things while Ralph was in the back.  He goes in, He comes out…He goes in, He comes out…Several times.  That’s the way the test works.  During one period when he was in the waiting room with me, we realized that we know a patient that has just come in.  John is actually a friend of a friend who we really like but don’t see very often.  He’s here for a test too.  He goes in, He comes out…

By that time, Ralph is finally out for the last time and John is finished as well.  The test went well for Ralph, but we’ll get the results in a few days.  We both decided if there was anything out of order, they would have told us right away.  We have our fingers crossed.

We decide we All need coffee so we head for a diner up the street for breakfast.  I was really in need of food and coffee.  But, in my effort to be good, I went as simple as possible.

Scrambled eggs, with sliced tomatoes and rye toast, no butter.  This is the time of year to do the sliced tomato exchange.  These were so good.  They were much redder than they look, but we were sitting at the window and I wasn’t even sure how the picture came out.  Another plus, this is one fo the few restaurants around here that has orange marmalade in their jelly bin.  I was smiling and happy.  Oh, yeah…lots of coffee too.  You can’t really beat diner coffee…

Came home and got lots of let’s say…”administrative” things done.  Vital for keeping the boat afloat.  There…it’s done and not hanging over my head.  Why is it that doing certain things can actually make me feel sick to my stomach until they’re taken care of?  Is that vague enough for you?  Trust me, it would make sense if I could explain it all. 

But with no walk on Monday…I’ll be out soon doing my 2 miles.  I should have done my exercise bike instead on Monday, but I was busy with other things. So we’re off to the races for another great day…

Happy Tuesday!!