The Simple Woman's Daybook

Linking up today with The Simple Woman's Daybook

Click on the image below to read other simple women's entries.

For Today

Looking out my window

My Beloved built a new accomodation for the nativity.

We have it in the front yard.

I am thinking

It would be nice if more folks in our neighborhood did a little outdoor decorating for Christmas. It need not be elaborate, a simple wreath or window light would bid good tidings to us all, but only a few give any indication that they're celebrating the season.

I am thankful   

That I have loved ones to buy gifts for and God's provision to do so. 

Did a little shopping today.

One of my favorite things

Quiet evenings with My Beloved, listening to music.

I am listening to

The Messiah as I write. 

Beautiful and Uplifting.

 
I am hoping

That the weather is clear for our daughters and families to come after Christmas.

I am learning

I'm not at all techy, but My Beloved is teaching me a little bit about ipads and tablets as we help my mother think through getting one for my dad for Christmas. 

I just might end up wanting one myself. ;-)

In my kitchen

Just finished some No-Bake Chocolate and Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies. Yum!

Looking forward to settling down in a few minutes with a little snack and a glass of milk. 

In the Sewing Room

I made several pillow cases for pre-Christmas gifts from holiday fabric. Forgot to take pictures before I gifted them, but I did get a photo of the ones I kept for our bed. 

I used flannel with bird motifs that match the bedroom decor. The fabric was barely wide enough for our king pillows. The other standard pillowcases worked up just fine with a yard of fabric. The kings needed about 1 1/3 yard. I made these plain as well as some of the others. For one set I followed Crafty Gemini's tutorial to make cases with contrasting bands.

Shared Quote

It's not how much we have but how much we enjoy that makes happiness.

- Charles Spurgeon

A moment from my day

Our newest grand just began walking this week, so I set up the Christmas Village in the curio cabinet this year. There are five shelves filled with hustle and bustle. 

Makes me want to just step right in!

Closing Notes

May God bless your and yours as you celebrate the season and contemplate the incarnation of God's Son, Jesus Christ.

 

The Simple Woman's Daybook

 For Today

Looking out my window...         

Not far from us is a restored railroad depot that occasionally takes excursions on a seldom used track that runs behind our property. The train meandered by today as I was in the sewing room, and I could see the passengers watching out their windows. A pleasant view from my window as well.

I am thinking...

That we have such good daughters. Hopefully, we'll be able to see one another soon.

 

I am thankful...

For a nice neighborhood with friendly neighbors.You never know when you move, or when a house becomes available near you, what kind of neighbors you might get. We left wonderful neighbors where we had lived for more than 40 years. So thankful for the new neighbors we now have.
 

I am creating... 

I made a couple of hot pads/pot holders today from some kaleidoscopes that I had on hand. I'll often sit in the evening and hand stitch the kaleidoscopes from triangles that I've already prepared, and then use them later in a project. I'm planning to give the hot pads to a new church friend as a hostess gift when we go to their house tomorrow for supper.

I am reading...

It was recommended as a 2016 Book of the Year in World Magazine. Short essays. Not necessarily a book I would have chosen except for the review in WM. The author seems to be rather short-sighted as far as life goes.

I am learning... 

To do needtleturn applique. I've been working on several quilt blocks over the past several months that will eventually be a quilt for our little Anna. I'm getting a little better at it as I go along, although I definitely have a long way to go. I posted about it yesterday.

In my kitchen...

We had leftover mac & cheese with broccoli for lunch today. It's a lighter fare than the normal mac & cheese. Sharing the recipe.

While a 1.5 cup of macaroni and about 6 oz of broccoli are boiling, brown about a fourth cup of chopped onions in butter. Add 2 tablespoons of flour, cooking until a bit golden. Add a cup of milk a half cup of chicken broth, and stir until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in a cup of cheese until melted. (Your choice. I use whatever I have). Mix with macaroni and broccoli. Put into 8x8 baking dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Mix 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese with 2 tablespoons bread crumbs and sprinkle over top of macaroni. Spray top of mixture with vegetable spray. Bake at 375F for 15-20 minutes; then broil for a few minutes until breadcrumbs are browned.

In my garden...

Just trying to keep the few flowering plants that I have from dying of thirst in this heat. This was our first summer living here, and I'm learning as the months pass that what may have flourished at our previous home just doesn't make it here.

A moment from my day

I've done a little autumn decorating, although the weather isn't turning at all fallish. I hear that I shouldn't look for that here until about November. Missing WV, where it begins to turn beautifully autumn in late September, early October.

Post Script

If you have children / grandchildren that you buy books for, you might be interested in Redeemed Reader. It's a website for reviews, resources and reflections on children's books and literature. "Our goal is not only helping kids find good books, but also teaching them to read with discernment."


Linking up today with Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook. 

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For today I join others at The Simple Woman's Daybook, a weekly journal page that focuses on simple thoughts and simple living.

 

Looking out my window

This threesome came scampering around the house while we were on the back porch, took a quick look at us and scampered up the tree. After a few minutes of peek-a-boo, they scampered off. So cute!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am thinking

That I should have worked on this post earlier in the day. It's time for bed.

I am thankful 

For the privilege of having known a 94-year-old godly, wise gentlemen for a mere six months. He was in our new church family and k-group. He passed on into the arms of Jesus this week. 

One of my favorite things

Spending time with family.

I am creating

Recently finished a quilt for our newest grandson, Daniel. Posted about it yesterday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am reading

Blennerhassett by Charles Felton Pidgin, published in 1902.

 

I came across this book in a used book store and was drawn to it because I used to live about an hour from Blennerhasset Island and have visited it upon occasion and am familiar with its history. The book is a historical novel, with the author's aim "to present Aaron Burr as he was a hundred years ago, and to ask that he be judged by the rules of order and society then existing; but by minds free from the intolerant political and religious prejudices which blinded the eyes and warped the judgments of his contemporaneous critics." I'm only into chapter 9 of 42 chapters, so we shall see. So far he's making his point well.

I am hoping (praying)

That our upcoming 2-day travel to visit our daughter and her family is a safe one. Traffic can get crazy going into that city.

I am learning

That B-12 can give me some energy for the day. I tried some today, and felt much better.

In my kitchen

Today's meal was chicken and vegetables in the crock pot. Simple and nutritious.

Enough chicken, quartered potatoes, baby carrots for the two of us. Sprinkled with salt and pepper. Added about 1/4 cup of chopped onions, and poured 2 cups of chicken broth into the crock pot. Covered and cooked on high for 4 hours.

Shared Quote

"God's holiness, then, is not only the opposite of evil; it is the measure by which we know evil to be evil." ~ David D. Wells, God in the Whirlwinds   

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Today I join others at The Simple Woman’s Daybook, a weekly journal page that focuses on simple thoughts and simple living. My leads are somewhat similar to others in the group, but somewhat different as well. 

Outside my window... 
Impatiens overtaking the sidewalk by the front door.

In the Garden... 

I wondered when I planted these impatiens in the spring if they would ever spread. Took them so long, but if they keep going, we'll have to jump over them!

 

 Around the house....

I packed up the things from the buffet this week for moving. I guess I didn't realize how much it held. I packed four boxes to take, and two boxes to donate. 

This week's find... 

A bat in our bedroom! After an hour or so My Beloved coaxed it outside. We looked online to see how to get rid of it and found some interesting facts about bats. But to me, snakes and mice and bats are in the same category. EEK!!  Sorry, I didn't get a picture of it flying around. I was too busy screaming and then hiding in the closet.

Looking forward to...

Taking down the wallpaper in the kitchen. Really?! Yes, it means another step forward to getting the house ready to put on the market.

From the Kitchen...  

I made this pasta salad for lunch today and shared it with a neighbor friend. I've taken it to a get-together, too, and just tossed in more of the ingredients. Sharing the recipe with you, although I can't remember where I got it. Maybe Taste of Home. Just be aware that it needs to marinate a few hours. I make it the night before.

Italian Pasta Salad

1 cup uncooked spiral pasta (I used tri-color)

1-1/2 or so cups cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced

½ cup reduced fat or fat-free Italian salad dressing

¼ cup sweet red pepper, chopped

¼ cup green pepper, chopped

3 tbsp green onion, thinly sliced

½ cup lite mayo (I used olive oil reduced fat)

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/3 cup cubed cheese, cut into about ¼-inch cubes (I used mozzarella, but use your fav)

1 can (2 oz) sliced ripe olives, drained

1.  Cook pasta according to package directions; rinse with cold water and drain. Place in large bowl.

2.  Add tomatoes, mushrooms, salad dressing, peppers, and onion.

3.  Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

4.  In a small bowl:

            * combine mayo and Parmesan cheese;

            * stir cubed cheese and olives into mayo mixture

5.  Gently fold into the pasta mixture.

6.  Chill until served.  Serves 8.

 

The fruit of my hands …  

I finished the kaleidoscope quilt top yesterday that I'm making for a friend. This is the largest one I've made (65 x 89). I blogged about it yesterday.
 

Hoping… 

That the quilt shop will do a good job with the quilting. This will be the first time I've had someone else do the quilting, but this is the first time I've made this size quilt, too, and I don't think I can give it the attention it needs right now. Wanting to have it finished to give my friend before we move.

Reading....  

The Dash Diet by Thomas J. Moore, MD

I'm glad to learn that I pretty much already do much of what it says, so I'm reading it mostly for the recipes. It was clearanced at BAM for just $3.00 for the hardback. It's online for $19.96. What a deal!

Wondering...
It seems odd to me that when a white policeman kills a black, the media cries race, but when a black kills a white policeman, not so. Just sayin'.

Thankful...    
For policeman who put their lives on the line just by putting on their uniforms.  

Thinking... 

That the young man who is helping My Beloved work in the garage is very compassionate toward mankind. He went to a far land to fight extremists because of the atrocities they are doing to the people who live there. He said everyone was sharing whatever they had to help each other, and that he wished he had something to give them. He did have something, and he gave it--himself.  

A quote to share....

Even if you think the Big Bang created the stars, don't you wonder who sent the flowers? ~Robert Brault

 

I do hope you know the One who sent the flowers...and created the stars.
Take care, dear one.
Until next time. 

You may enjoy reading what some other simple women are saying and doing these days here. 

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Today I join others at The Simple Woman’s Daybook, a weekly journal page that focuses on simple thoughts and simple living. My leads are somewhat similar to others in the group, but somewhat different as well.
 

Outside my window...

A fresh mowed lawn on a beautifully sunny, not-too-humid day. 

Thinking... 

That this would be good evening for a walk in the neighborhood if folks wouldn't let their dogs run loose. It's nice to greet people and their leashed doggies as you pass on a walk, but I don't like loose ones barking at my ankles. Bad dog.

Thankful... 
For neighbors who have invisible fences for their dogs. Banks is our neighbor's dog who greets us whenever we come home. (They named him Banks because they like to go to the Outer Banks on vacation. Gotta wonder about names sometimes.) He sits at the property line by his driveway for us to give him a Milkbone, his daily treat. :-) Good dog. 

In the Garden...  
Just pulling out weeds here and there as I pass by. Need to cut back the hosta. I've never been able to keep it looking nice, and it's being overtaken by a couple of supposedly dwarf mugo pines, anyway. Sure won't have any in our next yard. 

Around the house....
My Beloved is still clearing out the garage, but I moved inside and stripped the wallpaper in the living room. It took me three days! Now the dining and living rooms are ready for a redo to get the house ready for the market. (I'm NEVER EVER going to have wallpaper again!)

From the Kitchen...  
Fixed a new recipe yesterday. Fixed the same meal the day before. The first day I forgot to plug in the crock pot and began to wonder in the afternoon why I didn't smell a wonderful aroma simmering away. So I had to throw that out, but, thankfully, had enough of the same ingredients to try again. The recipe is from Fix It and Foget It, and is an easy slow cooker meal. Sharing it with you today. The recipe is for 2 servings, so add more ingredients if you have more than two to fix for. 

Crockpot Chicken and Vegetables

2 medium potatoes, quartered (I used 4 red potatoes)

2-3 carrots, sliced (I used baby carrots, about half of a small bag)

2 frozen chicken breasts, or 2 frozen drumstick/thigh pieces (I used thighs. If they aren't frozen, adjust the cooking time.)

salt to taste

pepper to taste

1 medium onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1-2 cups shredded cabbage (I shredded only slightly so as to have larger pieces and only used 1 cup)

16-oz. can chicken broth (I used 14 oz.)

1. Place potatoes ad carrot i slow cooker. Layer chicken on top. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, onion, and garlic. Top with cabbage. Carefully pour chicken broth around edges.

2. Cover. Cook on Low 8-9 hours. (Adjust time if chicken isn't frozen)

 

This week's find...

A beautiful little glass dish at a thrift shop. Trying not to bring much of anything else into the house these days with packing up and all, but this little treasure was much too cute to leave on the shelf. I had actually gone into the shop to look for children's books when I took a load of things there from clearing out, and that little dish called out to me as I passed by. Just had to give it a home!

Looking forward to...

Going thrifting (junking as it's fondly called these days) with Mom when we get moved. She and I both love to find pretty little dishes, and our houses will be within walking distance from each other. :-)

Hoping…

To be moved by Thanksgiving.

The fruit of my hands …  
Re-fitted a couple of pillow cases for My Beloved. Posted about it yesterday.

 








Reading.... 
Miracles on Maple Hill by Virginia Sorensen
It's a children's book first published in 1956, a Newbery Medal winner--one of those books when children had time to be children and filled with character traits that we all want ours to emulate. It's a book that I picked up at a thrift shop to have for the grands when they come to visit. I like to preview the books before they read them, and I've been especially looking for hardback books. This is just a scholastic paperback, but I'm glad it's still in print.

Wondering...
What might have happened to this huge moth. It was lying on our sidewalk one morning this week looking like this all day. I thought it might fly away, but it didn't. :-/

A quote to share....
"Like sand mixing with iron, an edifice that blends elements of Bible truth with worldliness will not adhere but come apart. As in the church so in the heart." 
~ Andree Seu Peterson, Unstable Elements: How persons and institutions create explosive situations for themselves, World Magazine 

You may enjoy reading what some other simple women are saying and doing these days here. 

I do hope you are doing well yourself.
Take care, dear one.