Lately

Sometimes, it is hard to get me to talk.  I have been so busy the last couple of weeks preparing for my new career.  The Lord has a plan for me and a plan for us.  But sometimes we have to wait.  I am in the waiting period right now I feel.  But it is good.  I felt that I clung on to the stress from a job for days and days after I left.  Not until this past Saturday did I feel as if I had begun to let go of the constant struggle within me.  Life is not all about "fitting in everything." You don't know where you might be headed until you step back and let go. 

Here's a tad of what's been going on around here. 

 Baby Room Blue

Before painting the outside.

And Afta

This is my new office... and playroom... and kitchen.  And hopefully soon full time job!

This isn't the total after picture as I was still down there painting all morning and got a little sunburned might I add.  But the place looks so much better and friendlier.  You go with what you've got!

I have managed to squeeze in a walk in the woods.  To my delightful surprise I found Fire Pinks

and skipped a rock or two. 

Don't you want to come play??

Day Care Website

Well y'all... the website for my day care is actively under construction!   You can follow along as I post the new pages and the plans that I have.  I am super excited to have kids enrolled!  I have ads placed and the word is spreading quickly.  I already have one summer enrollee that will be there after school lets out for the summer.  If you know anyone interested give me a holler!  I have very limited space for daily care. 

P.S. Don't forget about Date Nights!  Your child does not have to be enrolled in regular care here to be able to take part in Date Nights.  It is designed for parents to desire to get out alone for a change!

450 Dish Delish

I play Bunko once a month.  What is Bunko you say?  FUN!  It is a dice game, where fellowship and eating is a must.  At the last Bunko gathering, my friend Linda shared a recipe with us.  Well... some of us that were listening.  I HAD to try it and am so glad that I did.

Here was my version of the dish.  You can use practically any vegetable and any meat that you want.  You simply heat the oven to 450 degrees.  Once it has preheated nicely, place your casserole dish in the oven to heat for 15 minutes.  While the dish is heating you prepare your vegetables and meat.

I tossed chopped broccoli, cauliflower and onion wedges in olive oil (which is a must) and spices.  I used Butt Rub, sea salt and pepper.  Next prepare the meat in the same way.  She said you don't actually have to oil up the meat but I did a little anyway.  I mixed a little olive oil with a little melted butter and lemon juice and added spices to it too. 

Once the dish is heated, remove it from the stove carefully because it is HOT.  Throw in the veggies and scoot them to the sides.  Then place the fish or meat right in the center.  The veggies will sizzle the second they hit the hot dish.  Place the meal back into the oven for fifteen minutes. 

I prepared rice to go on the side but really.. this is a one dish meal!  And terrific to boot!  Since then I have made it with deer tenderloin, green beans and potatoes.  The potatoes and deer meat did take longer than fifteen minutes as I imagine a thicker cut of most meats may.  Just watch it closely when the end of the timer is near.  Enjoy!

Toss with spices and olive oil. 

I promise this entire meal cost under four dollars. 

Mainly because I swiped the rest of the raw veggies from the veggie tray at Easter lunch.

 Roll that beautiful Butt Rub footage. 

 Sizzle Sizzle, Dot Dot

 Oh Yeah

 Tell me 'bout it... stud.

So good.  I am here to tell you.

By the way... here's a tip.  You know those wood bees that look like bumble bees but can't sting you?  Well, if you squirt WD-40 in the hole they are drilling into the side of your house, or your walking stick, or door frame,  or wooden bench on the front porch, it'll kill them.  I am currently listening to one buzz for his life in the door frame behind me.  I feel real bad.. seriously.  If I don't kill him he's going to drill right through.  I've been listening too him scratch away at the door frame for too long.  Silly bee.  I can't listen any longer.  I mean really... pick a tree for crying out loud!  Not my house! 

And that's the truth PPPPPPPHHHHHHHHHHHHLLLLLLLLLLLLL

He stopped buzzing.  I think I'll go reclaim my walking stick now.

All in a Lucky Day's Work

I have been steadily working on the day care since last week.  It is coming together nicely and I am ready for chitlins!  Last Friday... lucky 13.. was lucky indeed!

First good yard sale of the year began with a dinner bell ringing to let everyone in!

A line of people at the estate sale.

 I came away with one of my favorite authors! I almost jumped over a lady to get to this book!

 Shaun found this in Lake Hulsey.  We have a ton and a half of topsoil for sale!

And we got four eggs in one day!  Sweet chickens... bad rooster!  I got flogged again but apparently I won... we will leave out the details.  Let's just say he is keeping his distance from me now that I carry a big stick with me.

I hardly ever find anything cheap enough for my likings on the clearance aisle at WalMart until today.  I am so excited that my 2012 canning season will have it's own identity.

P.S. Keep watch here... I have a canning give away in the works!