A Dance 'Round the Memory Tree

Tattoos

I have always wanted a tattoo.  One of my friend's husband is a tattoo artist and she has amazing body art. Covering almost everywhere except her face. But big pieces on her arms, legs and back....just everywhere. Another friend, one of my closest friends, Jessica has a star freckles as tattoos and each one represents a person. She told me early this year that she was getting one for me.  It touched me deeply.  Stars shape as meaning to me too so it makes it even more special to think I am going to be a star on her.

On Pinterest, I look at tattoos people post and collect ones I like.  

Here are a few....

Source: blogs.citypages.com via Darby on Pinterest

Michael has a nickname of Spooner and so a spoon seems appropriate. 

Source: fyeahtattoos.com via Darby on Pinterest

I have kind of an obsession for letters and numbers and this combines the two so could be a good tattoo.  My friend with the star tattoos, Jessica, talked about doing a kind of henna-looking tattoo with the subtle brown color and design of henna as a tattoo - I think this would look lovely in a brown.

Source: flickr.com via Darby on Pinterest

Owls, spiders, elephants, turtles, ravens and crows tattoos always get my attention.   Jessica gave me this book called Soul College.   You create cards that have deep personal meaning. Many of them seem to involve animals.  These are the animals that I feel are frequent images in my life that I am pulled towards. They represent aspects of me. 

Source: fyeahtattoos.com via Fabiola on Pinterest

Words - I would love to have a quote tattoo.  I am just not sure I would be able to narrow it down to what quote.  As I love words. 

Gratitude Friday

I have been trying to do daily thankful posts on Facebook so here is the ones I have done so far....


Nov 1 - I am thankful for Michael taking care of me when I have the stomach flu.
Nov 2 - Today I am thankful for feeling better. Stomach flu seems to be gone. I am also thankful for the wonderful aromas going through the house with a new recipe that I made for dinner. Hoping it tastes as good as it smells...will find out in about 10 mins.
Nov 3 - I am thankful for the chance we had this past weekend to take a day trip and see beautiful scenery. I love living in Colorado.
Nov 4 - I am thankful for the beautiful weather we have, that the pantry is now organized after looking like a tornado hit, and for finding my favorite tea (it was buried in the pantry) when I had thought I was out.
Nov 5 - Today I am thankful for being able to stay indoors because it was cold, rainy and windy.
Nov 7 - I am thankful for our kitty cats who amuse me, nice fuzzy socks I got for my birthday that are warming my feet on a cold evening, migraine meds, and a cookbook all about soups that I am reading that make me want to make soup everyday as they look so good.
Nov 9 -  I look at the archives of this website, reading the signs, and it really gets to me. I feel often at times we are struggling but then I read things like I am reading on this website and I am thankful for the roof over our head and the work coming to the business. Michael works really hard and I am proud of all he does to keep moving forward. Our story pales in comparison to most of the folks I read about. We are in the 99 percent - but we're grateful for what we have as so many are in worse shape.
Nov 10 -  I am thankful...that I only have to get through today before getting the last Harry Potter dvd, for the adorable invitation we got in the mail for my niece's 1st birthday, for picking up the Design Sponge at Home book from the library, and that having milk and cereal brings back memories from childhood.
Nov 11 - I am grateful to all the men and women of our armed forces. You and your families have sacrificed so much for all of us...Thank you for your service!

Robert Redford Dessert

I have seen this recipe under many names but it has always been called Robert Redford in my family because it is just as good as Robert Redford. 

First Layer: 1 cup unsifted flour, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 cup butter or margarine softened, 1 cup finely chopped walnuts (have used almonds too)

Mix together flour, sugar, butter and walnuts until crumbly. Press in the bottom of a greased 9x13 baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes - until lightly brown. Cool.


Second Layer: 8 oz. package cream cheese - softened, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 cup cool whip

Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and fluffy. Fold the whipped topping. Spread over cooled crust.

Put the pan in the fridge while you prepare the third layer.


Third Layer: 1 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 tsp salt, 3 cup whole milk, 4 egg yolks, 3 tbls butter, 1 1/2 tsp vanilla, 3 squares unsweetened chocolate - chopped

In a medium saucepan combine sugar, flour and salt. Gradually stir in milk and chocolate. Cook over medium until thickened and bubbly. Stir constantly. Reduce heat, cook and stir two minutes. Remove from heat. Separate eggs. Beat yolks slightly in bowl. Stir 1 cup of the chocolate mix into the yolks. Return all to saucepan, bring to gentle boil, cook, stir 2 more minutes. Remove from heat - stir in butter and vanilla. Cool in fridge before gently spreading over second layer.


Forth Layer: After the third layer is cool, spread the rest of the whipped topping. Keep refrigerated until serving.

Can't Take It In

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. the nice day trip we had with friends on a drive this past weekend
2. feeling better after the stomach flu hit both Michael and I this past week
3. Roku streaming Pandora for music
4. a soup cookbook that is inspiring me to make soup - everyday - okay not everyday but there are so many good soup recipes out there and I love soup!

5. clean sheets on the bed - I love the smell of clean sheets and the crisp look of the sheet when they are first put on a bed.

Day to Day

I am doing pretty good. I can tell that the asthma problems are coming back at least somewhat and that is distressing me but I just keep hoping it won't come back as bad.  My doctor has 2 new inhalers that will be coming by mail and hopefully they will help.  

Otherwise things are pretty normal around here.  Michael is working and working and working.  And I am doing what I can to help him out but not much I can help with at this time.  So just trying to keep up with my things as I am really behind. 

I am trying to start thinking about Christmas and presents I need to make.  I can't wait to see my family for Christmas. 

So that is about all that is going on here. 

Meatball Soup

We had this soup last winter and I just never got around to posting the recipe. But I can't wait to make it again as it was such a huge hit with Michael. From the first bit Michael was raving about the great flavor.  I didn't add any extra seasonings. The tomatoes with the basil, garlic and oregano plus my homemade meatballs have Italian seasonings in it - those things were the only seasoning for the soup. 


1 bag (16 oz) frozen cooked Italian meatballs, thawed or homemade meatballs
2 cups beef broth
1 3/4 cup water
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with basil, garlic and oregano, undrained
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (19 oz) cannellini beans, drained
1 cup frozen carrots
1 cup frozen green beans
1 cup cooked pasta - before serving
Shredded Parmesan cheese - garnish

In 3- to 4-quart slow cooker, mix all ingredients except pasta and cheese. Cover and cook on low heat setting 6 to 7 hours. The carrots and green beans can become mushy in a slow cooker so add after 4 hours or 4 1/2 hours instead. Add pasta just before serving. 

Garnish individual servings with Parmesan cheese.

O+S

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. the time we are going to have this weekend - when we go on a little drive with some friends
2. beautiful autumn weather
3. hot apple cider
4. pumpkin recipes - I love pumpkin!
5. clean kitchen floor

Pita Chips

One of our grocery stores has a clearance section of bread. I can buy pita bread from 40 cents to 70 cents a pack just depending how many packages they have left to sell.  I buy them to make pita chips. 


With the holidays parties coming upon, I always like to make and bring these. On their own or with a dip such as hummus. 



Pita Chips

Pita bread 
1/4 cup olive oil
Toppings


Preheat oven to 375. Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Spray with cooking spray. 

Cut pita pockets into triangles and then separate them where they are still connected to the other half. 

Mix oil and toppings. (I did basil, oregano, rosemary, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, parmesan cheese, sea salt)


Toss the pieces of pita bread with the oil mixture. Bake for 6-10 minutes until they are crisp. Flip/stir at the half way mark. Let cool before serving. Store in an airtight container.


Some possible toppings:
Sea salt
Parmesan Cheese
Herbs of choice such as basil, oregano, rosemary, red pepper flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, chili pepper, chipolte, chives, dill and so on.
Garlic
Cinnamon sugar with melted butter instead of oil

Hey Jude

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. having a nice birthday on Tuesday.
2. a beautiful drive through GJ seeing all the colors
3. finding a bag - I have been looking for one for awhile
4. spending time with friends
5. feeling so much better

Channeling Surfing

 * Tomorrow we are going to have lunch at some friends who live in a nearby town. They just moved to the area in August.  It is great to have them near as they are such good people.  So nice to talk and laugh with them. 


* My asthma problems have cleared up. My doctor ended up treating me for bronchitis - using an antibiotic and a steroid. Within 2 doses I was able to lay completely down flat - first time in over 3 months. I used my inhaler once in the 10 days of being on the meds. The day after ending my meds - I have had a few problems. Nothing like before but I did have to use my inhaler and ended up taking sinus meds at night. I am hopeful that whatever is going on is better. I have no doubt from now on for a while I will be easily susceptible to having problems. My doctor wants me to call if it comes back to like it was before the meds. 

* We started using a Roku for the TV.  We are really enjoying it. It is basically streaming content to the TV. All the content except Netflix that I am watching is free. But there are some channels that do cost but so far I am not seeing a need for them. 


That is about all for right now....going to go to bed.

I Go To Sleep

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. feeling better
2. a safe trip to Denver
3. a safe trip home
4. seeing adorable pictures of my niece sitting in a pile of leaves
5. a great muffin I had a Mimi's Cafe and finding the recipe online so that I can try to make them at home

Hoisin Meatballs

This recipe was modified from Hoisin-Glazed Turkey Meatballs - I wanted to have them for dinner instead of as an appetizer.  Also I didn't want to go out and buy anything additional so just worked with what I had on hand so modified the ingredients to work for me. I didn't see the need for the oil although I am sure it gives additional flavor. I also ended up having to add bread crumbs because the ingredients made the ground meat so wet.

Hoisin Turkey Meatballs


2 tablespoons reduced-sodium  Soy Sauce

1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
2 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger root

1 teaspoon sriracha sauce or 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 scallions, minced 

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (didn't have any garlic cloves on hand)

1/2 cup  drained, finely chopped water chestnuts
1 pound lean ground turkey

3/4 cup bread crumbs 

1/4 cup purchased Hoisin Sauce

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or tinfoil coated with cooking spray.
2. Whisk  soy sauce,  ginger, garlic powder, sriracha or crushed red pepper, 1 tblsp hoisin sauce and sugar in a large bowl. Whisk in cornstarch until smooth. Stir in 2 minced scallions and water chestnuts. Stir in turkey  and bread crumbs until completely combined.
3. Shape the mixture into medium sized meatballs. If you don’t want to cook these right now you could put them in the freezer for later. 
4. Place the meatballs on a pan and bake until the meat is cooked through, 15 to 17 minutes.
5. Brush the meatballs with  Hoisin sauce. Cook meatballs an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Serve with stir fry vegetables and rice. 

Click on the title of the post and then hit the print button. 

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. another visit to my doctor - and maybe this treatment helping even after 1 dose
2. breathing
3. candy corn
4.  finding out that I can freeze my yogurt
5.  Frank and JoAnne giving me all their old encyclopedias - I just made room for them in my studio so that I can use them for art.

#OccupyWallstreet

I have been totally hung up on this website for the last several days. It really is getting to me. I feel often at times we are struggling but then I read things like I am reading on this website and am thankful for the roof over our head and the work coming to the business. Michael works really hard and I am proud of all he does to keep moving forward. Our story pales in comparison to most of the folks I read about. We are in the 99 percent - but we're grateful for what we have as most folks are in much worse shape.

http://wearethe99percent.tumblr.com/

Live

Live with intention. 
Walk to the edge. 
Listen Hard. 
Practice wellness. 
Play with abandon. 
Laugh. 
Choose with no regret. 
Appreciate your friends. 
Continue to learn. 
Do what you love. 
Live as if this is all there is.
— Mary Anne Radmacher