Tuesday Thoughts About...

...working---with Butch! We can't work together. We've really never been able to work together. We both have different styles. And, yes, I'm going to say it---I know better! I do think I know it all when it comes to cleaning and organization. I'm quick and efficient. I can see immediately how to approach a job. Yes, there have been many times in the past when I took a job and thought, "what have I gotten myself into this time?" And then, I just roll up my sleeves and begin.

Well, I was feeling really lazy that we weren't getting any big jobs done while staying home. It's been all fun and games so far--literally! While sitting on the front porch last week, I suggested to Butch that we clean the porch together. Now, in the past, I've done the front porch. He was responsible for the pool and patio area. His job was definitely far more work than mine. But still, doing the porch is a lot.

We set our "date" for cleaning the porch for Saturday at 11 a.m. I wanted to do a little scrapbooking before the hard labor!

Saturday morning, I asked Butch if he would let me be the "boss!" He replied, "probably not." I wasn't sure how it was going to work. When I'm working, I just want someone to do what I want them to do.

By the time I got out there at 11 a.m., he had already cleaned all of the cushions and pillows. They were in the sun drying. Then I wanted him to bring out my sago palms so that I could get them trimmed and watered thoroughly. He didn't really want to do that, but he very calmly acquiesced. So far, so good.

Now our porch is a pretty good size. The French doors and windows have to be washed and scrubbed. Ditto the 8 columns. The coach lights have to be cleaned. Tables have to be washed down. All the furniture has to be scrubbed and the brick floor power washed. It takes a lot of time. We don't even do the upper porch anymore as it never gets used. It took us about an hour. Sure beats the two or more hours it would have taken me alone.

We'll be waiting until after the stay at home order is over before we get our flowers.

After the porch cleaning, I suggested we get started on the garage. I told you about that yesterday.

Anyway, we continued with the garage on Monday. He didn't really want to do it as we had just finished cleaning the house, but he did anyway. It was an awful job! It's so spider webby with lots of spider eggs, dead stink bugs and other bugs, dusty, just awful---all of this in the weird windows we have. There are two windows in the garage that are really unusual and almost impossible to clean. They are hard to explain. Let's just say that more than half of the tall windows are above the ceiling that are about 12" wide to actually get up there. No ladder will fit either. That's what makes them so nasty. You just can't get to them. Butch was a trooper. He vacuumed as high up as he could get. He used the broom---he worked hard and hit his head at least a dozen times. In the meantime, I did other cleaning like clean the steps, clean a couple rugs and tables. He ended up working at least an hour longer than me. He did way more than I had planned for today, but I wasn't about to discourage him! He was exhausted, but it looks great so far. We just have about 2/3 left to go---not counting his workroom! That's another story.

The most disappointing part of the day was when he went to haul a car full of crap to the dump and some to Good Will---all they were taking was regular trash and recycles. They've even cut down on what they'll accept for recycling. Now, he had to put all of that crap back in the garage!

Anyway, as it turns out, the quarantining has been working out really well for us. We've discovered that we really can work together. It started with house cleaning, then the porch and now on to the garage. Big jobs like that are better tackled in little chunks at a time. Even just setting a time limit helps. You can do anything for an hour. Pretty soon, those hours really add up.

Although, I'm really happy that we got so much accomplished, he didn't call me "darling" a single time! On the other hand, he didn't call me anything bad either---considering I was pretty darn bossy!

We'll see how it goes for the long run!

Monday Mystery

I've been wondering where this was for 32 years!

My green kitchen towel! Well, it turned up today.

Here's the story:
On Friday, we made our plan for the weekend. I said that I felt bad that we weren't really accomplishing anything chore related while quarantining. We decided that on Sunday, we'd clean the front porch--more on that tomorrow.

I convinced Butch that we also needed to start on the garage. He was really not up for it as he's been procrastinating that for too long. I figured if I helped, we could at least get started. Don't get me wrong. The last thing I want to do is clean out the garage. Years ago, with my organization business, I drew the line at attics (after doing one), basements and garages. They are so dirty and "buggy." But he is helping me with the house cleaning, so I guess it's only fair.

"Just the closet," I said. Reluctantly, he agreed.

Well, we started at the top. I knew that just about everything in there could be disposed of. We haven't used any of it in 20 years!

Then there was this:

OMGosh! Our bowling balls---we got them 48 years ago! He told me that he had gotten rid of mine at least 20 years ago. It even came up recently with the girls about our bowling balls and that he had gotten rid of mine. I was pretty mad about that as he also got rid of my stenograph machine. After graduating from high school in 1970, I went to business school to study to be a court reporter. Once I got in to scrapbooking, I wanted to tell that story and use my machine for the journaling. He confessed that he had also gotten rid of that too. What??? He got rid of my stuff, but kept his!!

I loved my bowling ball. It's red, white and blue---kind of a drippy paint look. I was happy to see it.

Then he opened his bag---and low and behold, there was my kitchen towel!!

 We came across this too. We didn't know whether it was Jordan's or Morgan's tackle box.

 I texted them to see if they wanted it. Morgan does!! That girl is sentimental for sure! In fact, several years ago, when she saw Butch's mounted bass in the pile going to Good Will, she wanted it. She has it hanging in her apartment. She said it's a great conversation piece. That makes us happy. I have no idea what she has planned for her little tackle box.

And then there was this:

In the corner on the floor, there was tons of mulch and leaves. Butch said it was a mouse "nest" or whatever they call their home. Right above that was a big hole where there were wires having to do with our satellite or speakers or something. That's where they got in. Ewww, yuck! This is the exact reason I don't like to clean garages! I backed away and Butch cleaned it out.

By the time we finished, the closet was nearly empty. The top shelf contains beach umbrellas and chairs that we're going to take to our place at the beach. They'll stay here for now. On the second shelf is half of a tent---don't really know what that means. Plus we NEVER camp---only did it once or twice in 48 years. Still, he didn't want to get rid of it. On the right is his first tackle box. He won't get rid of that either. On the third shelf there's a box of "stuff" from our master bath remodel from 2017. Well, you never know when we might need something---books, extra hardwire, etc.

I was feeling pretty good about it. We were getting rid of so much. I left to get in the shower while Butch finished cleaning up the "mousey" mess. I went back out and noticed this:

Somehow a bunch of stuff made its way back. I don't even remember what's in that white container. The gold tub contains aquarium stuff that we'd agreed could go since we do not plan to have another. Butch did say he wanted to check the attic to see if there was an aquarium up there. If so, he wanted to keep all this together to take to Good Will. But, I know him. It's back in this closet permanently. The bottom shelf has the beach toys that we plan to take to the beach so our renters can steal them. We have bought so many beach toys only to have them disappear. Actually, I don't think people steal them. I think they are too lazy to bring them back from the beach!

Anyway, we accomplished a lot yesterday. I can't wait to continue with the garage. I have big plans.

But in the meantime, I'm so happy to have that kitchen towel back. Just kidding. It will be turned in to a rag now. But at least the mystery is solved!

What We're Doing

Hey All,
We've had a busy week! Honestly, I don't know where the time goes!

I'm starting my days with what I call "walk and talk." As you've heard me mention before, I am not normally a phone person. Once all this quarantining began, I decided to make one phone call a day. I made a list, I started. I head out for my walk and talk. That's working just fine.

Butch and I have walked a couple trails and geo-cached---paying attention to beauty around us.

 Doesn't this look like a painting? On the left side is a babbling brook.

 It's a little late for daffodils around here, but this must be some wildflower variety.

 This is a cute little wildflower called ragwort. I know you're not supposed to pick things in parks or woods. But I sure would love to bring some home!

The phlox are in full bloom in the front and the back. The weather is getting so nice---in the 70's. We've already had an 80 degree day. It won't last long. We get about 2 weeks of nice weather and then you have to have the air-conditioning on. We love to sit on the front porch and have our own happy hour. I was reading out there yesterday when the biggest lizard I've ever seen scurried by. By the time I grabbed my phone to take a picture, it was gone. It was about 14" long and about an inch wide---really the biggest one I've seen. They are usually around 6" and about a half inch wide.

I hosted my first scrapbook class via Zoom for my friends. That worked out great! I've already shared that. This week, we're going to have lunch together.

We're still working on the puzzles. I say puzzles because we have two going at the same time. That "world's smallest puzzle" is about to blind us. We can only work it at the kitchen table in that good daylight. Speaking of puzzles, Mindy had one sent to us that she had made from a photo of our trip to Liverpool. It was such a fun surprise! I'll send a photo when we start it.

Puzzles have become my number one time waster these days---at the expense of my stitching! I've done very little of that this week. I really want to get back to the stitching as I want to finish a Christmas pillow that I'm working on.

We started our paint by number kits that Mindy gave us for Christmas.

Mine is Mr. Rogers and Butch's is Bob Ross. It's going to take awhile. We didn't work on it every day. You know, there's only so much free time (wink, wink).

We played this game that I gave Butch for Christmas.

It was lame. We didn't really like it. I thought it would be more like trivia along Route 66. It just wasn't fun. There were stupid questions like "what do you call the signs along the highway?" Duh, "billboards."

We're also Face-Timing or Zooming with our family for happy hour on Fridays. That's so much fun. 2 hours goes by so fast when you are laughing with the fam! It really feels like you are together when you can see each other.

We've watched "The Pharmacist" on Netflix. Really good. It's a documentary and is 4 or 5---45 minute episodes. It's unbelievable!!

We're just about finished with "Justified." That's 6 seasons long with about 14 episodes per season. This has taken us a full year to get through it. We can only watch one episode at a time and usually not two nights in a row. Butch is very particular about what he'll watch. Without any sports, he's much more open.

We'll be starting "Ozark" next. I've already seen the first two seasons. Season Three is out. I know Butch will like this one too, so I'm going to start over with him.

I've read a few good books lately too. I gave 4 stars to: Innocent Traitor; Love and Other Consolation Prizes; The Scent Keeper; I Am Watching You. I'm half way through We Believed in Mermaids which I am really enjoying. I'll let you know when I finish if I think it's worth reading. So far, it is.

Butch has been going to the grocery store once a week during the senior hour to get what we need.

He did go out to get gas one day---$1.48 a gallon. After that, he stopped by church where they had put the blessed palms out. Of course, there are no masses and won't be for Easter either. We're on lockdown until April 29.

There are still so many things we can do. We're going fishing on Monday. Actually, I guess it just depends on how you look at it. It's really our regular life anyway. Sort of a forced vacation for everybody else---well, except for those who are working from home. For us, we call it retirement!

What We're Eating

Be sure to check the darling update at the bottom!

Saturday---this is the day that we went to Sonic and had burgers. You already know that story.

Sunday---I made a family favorite---Chicken Pot Pie. And, it couldn't be easier. Originally, I got this recipe from my friend, Christy. It called for a can of mushrooms. Now don't get me wrong, we like mushrooms. But there were too many, so I've left them out ever since. We like it better without.

Chicken Pot Pie
1 pkg. Pillsbury refrigerated pie crusts
1 chicken breast, cooked and diced
1 can Veg All mixed vegetables, drained
1 can cream of chicken soup*

Mix all ingredients and spoon into the pie shell. Follow the instructions on the box for a two crust pie.  I'd like to know how you are supposed to cover the edge of the pie with foil to keep it from getting too brown. The pie is hot. I end up just sort of laying some foil on top.

I served this with frozen lima beans. I made a frozen cherry salad, but then forgot to serve it. Luckily, it stays in the freezer, so it won't go to waste! I got this recipe from my friend, Nancy A. in 1987 when she served it at a spring luncheon.

Frozen Cherry Salad
1 can cherry pie filling
1 14 oz. can of crushed pineapple
1 14 oz. can Eagle brand condensed milk
1 13 oz. container Cool Whip (I use light)

Mix all ingredients. Freeze in a 9x13 dish. Cut in squares. As for me, I freeze scoops of it in muffin cups, freeze, then store in ziplock bags. That way, it's already pre-portioned and ready to go. This salad is served frozen.

Monday
Since Butch's complaint about too much food, we just had grilled cheese and tomato soup (another can used).

Tuesday
I made a new recipe. I don't particularly care for water chestnuts (except in spinach dip), but would probably have liked it better had I chopped them. Butch thought it was pretty good, so I'm going to share the recipe.

Also, whenever I make a recipe, I always make a notation in the cookbook, or on the recipe.

To go along with this, I made buttered carrots and some quick rolls, which was also a new recipe. They were really easy,  but as it turned out, we didn't like them. The texture was good, but they were too salty. I don't think you can reduce the salt because that, along with the baking soda is the "rising" agent. So, I threw the recipe away and won't bother sharing it. Luckily it only made 6, so I didn't have to waste too much.

Wednesday
It was a beautiful day, so I was torn about trying this new recipe, or just putting the burgers on the grill. In the end, I decided to go with the new recipe. They were yummy!

Onion Burgers
1 lb. ground chuck
1 onion sliced

Salt and pepper the patties. Using a squirt of olive oil in the pan, put in the onions. Put the burgers on top and cover. When the top of the burgers has lost its pink, turn and continue to cook uncovered until desired "doneness" (if that's a word). We topped ours with American cheese.

Oven Baked French Fries
Peel the desired number of potatoes. Cut in to 1/4" strips. Toss with a little olive oil in a bowl and then spread out on parchment paper on a baking sheet. Bake at 400 for 30 minutes. Turn. Now here's where I diverted from the recipe. At this point, after turning, I was to up the temperature to 450 and bake another 15 minutes. I didn't do that at all because after 30 minutes, they were already done and getting a little dark. They were delicious. I considered using the air fryer, but decided this was easier and faster.

Thursday
We just had frozen pizza.

Friday
On Fridays, we pretty much always have a charcuterie board along with our happy hour cocktails. So I decided to make a quiche for lunch.

Easy Quiche
Pillsbury pie crust, baked
4 eggs
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup milk
1 cup cheese
S&P to taste

You can add whatever ingredients you want. Today, I did spinach. I used a 10 oz. frozen pkg. It's really good, but I think the next time I'll just use a half package. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes (my oven cooks fast, so I only cooked it 35 minutes.

I served the frozen cherry salad that I have in the freezer and the leftover carrots. I also made lemon squares. I love sweets, but try to limit myself to one per week. This recipe came from my friend, Nancy E. This is the sort of recipe where you pretty much have all the ingredients on hand all the time.

Lemon Squares
1 cup flour
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup powdered sugar
Cream above and press into a 9x9 square pan. Bake 20 minutes at 350.

Beat together the following:
1 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
2 eggs
4 tbsp. lemon juice
Mix and pour on to hot crust. Bake an additional 20-25 minutes. Cool, sprinkle with powdered sugar and cut into squares.

I was so happy to use this vintage pyrex dish I bought at an antique shop years ago. I love the turquoise---so 50's!

So that's if for our meals for the week. Have you done anything new?

***And just like that, I've used 4 cans of soup this week!

Darling update.
So, I told Butch that he hadn't been calling me darling. In a sarcastic way, he said, "good morning, darling!" That's okay, I'll take it. Then a few days later, he said, "do you want me to make lunch, darling?" In a slightly less sarcastic manner. And then last night, our happy hour ended when I spilled my drink and he said, "okay, that's enough, darling!" And it wasn't sarcastic at all!

Wow, with only three darlings, I think he might be trained! The most romantic word in the English language---I'm telling you!!

Friday Funnies

A Few Things

Just thought I'd share a few things making me happy right now.

 As I was walking through the neighborhood, I came across this chalk art. I love it and wish they'd do more! Sadly, the rain washed it all away.

 Now, I need to set the record straight. "He" bought this before there wasn't any choice. He goes for the off brands almost alway. Okay, always.

 I saw this picture of a chicken on the internet. I thought it was so beautiful that I sent it to my sister who has chickens on her farm.

 She sent me this one of her chickens. Another beauty. I'm not sure what the cage business is because I know they are free range. It's like an Easter egg hunt every day! They just have to hunt around to see where the chickens have laid the eggs. I've never been to the farm, so maybe she has a chicken coop for them to go in to at night to protect them from predators. I'll have to ask.

My niece, Jackie, designed this logo for Camp Aunt Barb this summer. I'm going to have t-shirts made. It's the last weekend in June. Hopefully, this quarantining will all be over by then. I'm looking forward to spending this time with the "littles."

So what's going on in your world that is making you happy these days?

This is No Joke

A little over a week ago, I got the idea to plan something fun for my scrapbook friends in my AYM (A Year of Memories) group. Every year, I plan the title and the end page for our album. This year, we've changed it up and everyone is planning something.

Now with us all staying home, I decided to plan an end page for any album. With everyone doing the video conferencing, I wanted to give it a try. I started by setting a time and date for a trial run. That worked out just fine. I just wanted to know how easy or hard it might be, or the technical difficulties we might encounter. Then we decided when we were going to do it. I sent them a list of tools and supplies they needed for the class. I also sent the title that they could print on any color they wanted.

I know it's hard to gather supplies when you have no idea what you are going to be doing. So, I sent this picture:

This way, they could see what types of things I might use.

Today was the day. It worked out perfectly. There were 5 of us---2 couldn't make it. Everyone was able to follow along easily for this simple page. It only took about 45 minutes and was a lot of fun. When you can see each other, it feels like we're together.

I helped them put the base page together and then we each did our own embellishing, all at the same time. It was a lot of fun to see what everyone came up with.

This is my page that will work with any album. As you can see, I didn't use everything I pulled out. It's a great way to use up bits and baubles you might have laying around.

I made this one for my Christmas album. On this one, I stitched the circle. Those are vintage Christmas seals. I have a ton of them and am happy to get to use a few.

 This is Nancy's page. I like her use of items in threes. That row of buttons is pretty cute too!

I love the vintage trim Janet used on her page---and the vintage flashcard. A little of this and a little of  that works perfect for a page like this.

I think I'm going to make an end page every time I have too much little odds and ends cluttering my table!