lunch out

We decided that the pie was a big disappointment!

wintry mix

That means a mixture of rain, sleet and big fat snowflakes; a perfect day for staying home and playing doggie nurse. Poor little guy had a rough day yesterday and of course, he knows how to play me!!



sam

He's at the friendly neighborhood vet today getting shots, his teeth cleaned and a few extractions. They just called me and said he may have to stay over night just to check up on any excess bleeding. My God, what have they done to my dog! They also want to  yell at me talk to me about the number of treats he gets daily. Go figure, I'm pretty much a fanatic about what I eat but when it comes to my dog, I'm just a push-over. I think I'll go pick him up later today anyway. Just like people, I'm sure he would be more comfortable here at home.

soapbox

Last week our great state decided it was time to ban smoking in all prisons; after all if restaurants and all public building have decided it was time to go smoke free, shouldn't prisons follow the same guidelines. Yes, my question is, why did it take them so long to figure that out! In fact, legislatures are currently discussing building a new geriatric prison-nursing home facility to take care of the oldies. What age do they consider prisoners to be "elderly?" Fifty!

13 1/2

That's the total number of miles walked for three days. I was able to walk on my favorite trail and it felt fabulous. We came to within one degree of hitting a high yesterday, that's what I call Springtime!!
I have also started my spring cleaning this morning. I always start with hard surfaces; wood floors, tile, wiping down counter tops, mirrors, doors and picture frames. It's a process and I end with organizing drawers and purging my closet, which surprisingly is a task I enjoy! 


























11

cupcakes

The cupcakes are done!! Now all I have to do is transport them to Fellowship Hall without them turning into a gooey mess. Since I had prepped the salad yesterday I found it very easy to dump it together this morning. Today God gave the world a beautiful day to enjoy and he gave me personally the courage and grace to get this baking done. Knowing how much I was stressing about it, thank you God!!

quilting and cooking

Today was Quilting Day, we worked till noon putting together fourteen quilts, ready to be tacked and surged. Tomorrow instead of doing braille I have to stay home and bake two dozen cupcakes plus throw together a salad for Missionary Society at 6:30. Here's the recipe. I got it from St. Martin's Catholic Church recipe book.

1 (8 oz.) can sliced water chestnuts, drained
1 small head broccoli, cut into small pieces
1 small head cauliflower, cut into small pieces
1/2 med. red onion, cut into strips
1/2 cup raisins (I use Craisins)
1 (8oz.) can cashews (I use about 6 ozs.)
1 lb. bacon, fried crisp and crumbled

Dressing:
1 cup mayonnaise (I use Kraft w/ olive oil)
1/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons vinegar

In a large bowl, toss together the chestnuts,broccoli, cauliflower, onion, Craisins, cooked bacon and cashews. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sugar and vinegar until sugar dissolves. Stir dressing into vegetables. Refrigerate at least 3 hours or overnight before serving. 

Yes, it is "labor intensive" but I figure I can do all the prep work this afternoon and throw it together tomorrow between baking and icing. I have taken this particular salad several places and have been asked for the recipe.

blogging

I was going to tell a story about football today to tie into the big game yesterday but I suddenly wanted to write about blogging instead. From the very beginning I knew I wanted to keep this blog private from my friends and family members. Because I wanted to write about myself; I didn't want to feel guilty not including anybody or having to explain my views on God, politics, education or my personal journey to living a healthy life. I think it would be really cool to have someone walk up to me someday and ask if I am "the Fitness Piggy," However, that may not ever happen. The second best thing would be getting some followers. But even if that doesn't happen I will still write. In a strange way, this blog has helped me become more comfortable with who I am and where I live. To be satisfied with your life is a good thing!  

coffee cake

Here's the coffee cake recipe that Mildred sent me. I won't be making it. I'm already stressing out about the cupcakes I have to make for the Missionary Society meeting on the 15th. Anyway, Mildred served this as a snack on Quilting day and everybody raved. I make a point not to eat sweets but took a piece to be polite and it was very good.

Pumpkin Cheese Cake

2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 1/4 cups cooked or canned pumpkin
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

FILLING:
1 pkg. (8ozs.) cream cheese, softened
1 egg
1 tablespoon sugar

TOPPING:
3/4 cup flaked coconut
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

In a large bowl, beat sugar, eggs, pumpkin, oil and vanilla. Combine the flour, cinnamon, baking soda and salt; add to egg mixture and mix well. Pour into a greased 13 x 9 x 2 baking dish.
In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, egg and sugar until smooth. Drop tablespoons over batter; cut through batter to swirl.
Combine topping ingredients; sprinkle over top. Bake @ 350 for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

sore

I cut my thumb while chopping up vegetables yesterday. It throbbed all night and I am still feeling sorry for myself today. I was going to put on my semi-nice jeans and make a trip to the local grocery but I feel so much better in my yoga pants and flannel shirt so I think I'll just wait until tomorrow. By the way, the schools are closed here again today, the third day in a row.
 I am currently reading the book, Savor Mindful Eating, Mindful Life by Thich Nhat Hanh and Lilian Cheung. It has some good ideas about showing appreciation for what your body does for you on a day by day basis.

after the blizzard

white out

Remember the Laura Ingalls Wilder book where Pa had to tie a rope between the house and the barn so that he wouldn't get lost in the blizzard when he went to feed his livestock. This is just like that except without the rope and the barn.