Uplifting and Lively Messages. No holds barred..
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The Cubs won on Thursday, and are back at it again on my tv. I tried to do small tasks around the house, but two hours into the game I put earphones on. Of course, I have to hear a play by play from my dh. This stresses me more than my dh. I did manage to have the ceiling fan taken down and was able to clean it, now the ceiling looks like it needs a paint job. I see my mo nurse practitioner this week for a 3 month check in. I will be going through my checklist of concerns about our healthcare and make sure that I don't need to do anything else right now. I have another mammogram on Nov 8th, which buys me some time if there is anything to do before the end of the year. I just feel so glad that I did the hysterectomy/oopherectomy in January. It would have been weighing on my mind.
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I am so thankful my DH isn't into football, baseball or basketball. He is a Steelers fan but doesn't have to watch every game they play. He likes drag racing and MMA. Both of which I love to watch to. We had a drag car up until 3 years ago. The track he raced at closed and all the other tracks were just to far of a drive. The kids loved the drag strip to. My girl loved the drag car to. It had a roll cage and a 5 point harness so DH left the passenger seat in the car so she could go down the track with him. She loved it! He is working on a street rod now. Can't wait to cruise around in it pounding the ground...lol oh the little things.
The weather here is still in the 80's. It's crazy! Normally by this time I all the trees have turned their bright colors and the nights are so cool that it's sweater weather. Nope not this year. The higher elevations have some color and it's beautiful as always. My summer annuals are exploding with blooms. I can't think of an autumn were I have been watering inpatients!
Well, you can't tell it's just me and my girl at home. I never get to post this much. DH has a rental unit he needs to get ready. DD is at her husband's family reunion and oldest grandson went to my parents for the day. Wonder how long this will last????
Have a lovely day ladies!
One of my impatients. I just noticed the Mr. Clean...lol I washed the trash cans yesterday
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Varga, we are a car family as well. My husband has collected corvettes and camaros since he was 16. Had a race car at one time. My 21 year old son is following in his father's foot steps. I complain that I have too many belongings/too much stuff, but my husband has warehouses for his stuff. Mine is all in my house and I am trying to downsize how much I own. The more you own, the more time you spend taking care of it. We have a 4 car garage, that my car/suv has never seen the inside of period. When winter comes, my suv sits in the weather and so does dh truck.
We have had really nice weather over the last few days, and I am enjoying it as much as possible. Tomorrow is grocery shopping day, woohoo. Later, I will attend a volleyball game. I am friends with coaches for both teams and plan to take my camera.
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omg,,,I love boots!!!! It's boot wearing time here in NY..sort of..with this crazy weather. I know DSW does have wider calf sizes. I have not been to DSW since late summer,,,I'm feeling the itch to go. I have a nice pair of knee high ones that are loose, not stiff ones..Circus is the name which I believe is part of Sam Edelman. Baretraps come up with some stylish ones every now and then. Even Bass once in a while. I wish I could wear some high heel ones but I'm close enough to gigantor at 5'10 as it is lol. I'm in the market for some bootie ones. I need a shoe account...money funneled in just for shoes lol. I have a pair of Uggs, with buttons on the side that I love even as clunky as they look on me, I like being able to pull them on and off in seconds.
Just had my oldest home from college for 3 1/2 days for fall break. He spends more time driving back and forth than actually home.
My daughter, instead of staying up in college, got tickets for Yankee game tonight, so they drove part way down from Upstate, grabbed Metro and went to Yankee stadium..she's not even a Yankee fan!!!! Ahhh. to be young again.
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I am so, so tired as there is no rest for the wicked!!! My dog suddenly became lame last night, after I returned from a volleyball match. My husband was home with him at the time and did not notice anything to warrant that condition. I gave him a doggie Tramadol to see if that would sustain him until today. It did not and we had to go to an emergency vet clinic. Nothing broken, my thirteen year old dog has the hips of an 8 year old. Woohoo. They knocked him out, took xrays and gave an anti inflammatory. He kept me up all night, with no rest. He seems better today, but again I cannot sleep for fear of him trying to get up and down off of the end of the couch (which is his end.) I think the Tramadol puts him into lala land, so I had to close off the dog door. It is 1pm, and I feel like I got hit by a truck. When my husband comes home, it is his turn and I will find somewhere to escape and sleep.
Beach, I love shoes, but I love purses more!!! Your daughter sounds like my son, he jets off to NYC for a weekend, to meet up with his friends from Switzerland, where he studied abroad. In July he went to Vegas and California. In June he went to Bonnaroo in Tennessee. When he was in Europe, he went to another country just about every weekend. I wanted to stay downtown Chicago for my birthday in Dec, but I looked into hotel expenses, train or parking expense and it was about $400 per person, for me and my bff. I decided St. Louis would just have to do for a few days. It will cost about $120 per person and parking is free.
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Purses!!! Oh I've got a closet full of bags. I try to say I'm not that bad because I go to the outlet or look for a deal on last season at tj maxx etc..but I have a problem lol. I do purge through and donate I was into Kate Spade for a while but last time I was there nothing jumped out at me..thank goodness. Now that the holidays are coming..I'm in trouble. I go through periods of what I'm into. When I'm going through periods of anxiety that's when i tend to become a shopper. Sometimes it's lipsticks..love colors even though I put it on in the am then never reapply again.
Sorry about the poochie...hope he is feeling better.
Weather was beautiful here today...and a few more days are expected before 70degrees becomes a distant memory. Love the fall/Halloween decorations that neighbors have put out. Can't even find anything in stores anymore...it's all about Christmas already!!
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Finally, I was able to sleep today in the late afternoon. Sylvester, my dog is resting now on two pillows covered by a vintage quilt. The weather was gorgeous here today as well, but I was too exhausted to appreciate it. I just don't know what happened to my dog last night. He seems better today, no limping or shaking. He was almost traumatized last night. It has been a fun year for decorating and most of the grass and trees are still green here.
A pic of the baby. I wonder if he could have stepped on a sharp acorn husk? Here is a pic of some that I have collected. We literally have thousands on the ground this year and never have seen so many.
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I just learned how to use some hair gizmo, round brush and dryer in one. At first it was cold, and I thought that's why my daughter was getting rid of it. I kept using it and learned how to use the heat. Then, I accidentally touched another button and it had continuous rolling action. A round brush blowout is what I gave myself. My dd will be surprised. My dh and ds went to the Cubs game in Chicago and will have a bit of a drive back afterward. The Cubs are losing by a huge margin, but I bet my guys are having a blast anyhow. Last Cub game of the season, sold out crowd, and they are there. The dds (dear dog schnauzer) and I hung out for the last two days and now our sleep schedule is messed up.
I like using some of the store credit cards, although I pay them off every month. I get a ton of free stuff, $10 off of a 10 dollar purchase, and tonight $25 off of 75 and $10 off of 35 at Victoria Secret. I was able to buy 8 perfume roller balls for 6 bucks, instead of 18, to give away as small gifts this year. I am getting a little head start on Christmas shopping. My goal is to have everything purchased and wrapped by December 1st. That way, I can enjoy the Holiday spirit and cheer. Otherwise, it is stressful.
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I have started Christmas shopping to! With 6 grandchildren I need to get a jump on it. Kohls is about the only store card I use. When I get the 30% off I shop big! Sorry about the Cubs. The morning news flash a quick shot of the Dodgers fans celebrating. I'm shopping today for an new outfit for a luncheon I am attending tomorrow. DH is keepingy girl so I can go. Super excited! It's a fund raiser for The Hope Chest (nonprofit that supports women with breast and ovarian cancer our community. I really do not need any time to wear I just want to shop!
Anyone watch What Not to Wear? One of my favorite shows!
Glad DDS is feeling better!
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Sorry that I've been MIA, but my consulting ship came in!!! Just slammed, including a lot of 14 hour days, but I got the report out on time. Will be "Merry Christmas to me", as expect to be paid around then. This is on top of my nonprofit work. I am doing a different project this weekend.
Sunday was a break (?) as had two friends visit me in Seattle. One was from my Columbia University Art History days, and she had a career as a professor. I hadn't seen her for decades. She was in Seattle doing an interview for a new book she is writing. It was the most glorious day, and I was able to snag a table overlooking the Puget Sound at the restaurant next door. She had this view.
Here is one of me. It's a small and charming garden. I was wearing my finery.
Afterwards, I collected my business partner at the airport and was able to show her my place. She was amazed at how nice it is, and also that I really am only two miles from dairy cattle and pumpkin fields. She also loved the colors. Here is a picture from my run a couple of nights ago. It's really fabulous to have this place to walk, and the second half of my run takes me back into the walking trails. Note that the weather has changed.
I served one of my soups which I thought would be a good antidote to air travel. Very nourishing with all the fresh vegetables, not to mention tasty. Herbs from my garden. I am bringing it in to the nonprofit as have a vat left.
I also took my friend through part of Seattle including the Space Needle, Monorail and wine bar. She got why I like the place so much and it was fun to do a tasting.
I got my bicycle back from the shop with its shiny new crankset. Plus, hopefully they have found the cause of the rear flats.
Looking forward to a relatively uneventful weekend, even if I will be watching an audience intercept interview project in another city. My business partner will be there. This one is the next data analysis and reporting, but should be easier than reporting on 5 focus groups. But I have to code the open ends.
I have a facial on Saturday, and think it will be high time. I also need to edit out a few more wardrobe items that no longer make the cut. I have done so well in my online forays that I can do this. Yesterday's outfit hit the trifecta of stylish, toasty, and flattering. Did I mention that I got it all for a song???
Boots???!!! I have at least a dozen, including my hiking boots which I also use for traction in the winter. They can take the salt and slush, as I also used hiking boots when I lived north of NYC. I wore my black Robert Clergerie ankle boots this week and I have a pair of full length dress boots which are just gorgeous. Made in France, and probably the nicest boots I have ever owned. I also have a pair of maroon ankle boots and a very old pair of riding-style with heels. I have the pair of cowgirl boots I bought last summer. I also have a pair of Barbara Bui moto boots for those times when I want to look badass. Then of course, I have some apres ski boots and my duck hunting boots that I wore last night for my walk so I could jump in the puddles. So fun.
I have a pair of flat Chelsea boots which I have had for 15 years and also fit the bill. and two pairs of lace-up boots, both Clergerie. Note that I always buy Clergerie for <$100 or so, as opposed to $500+. I have Nordic and downhill ski boots.
I may also get a pair of Clarks this year as they are going the stylish and comfortable route, at least with part of their line. - Claire
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Claire, what a lovely sight indeed as you walk/run. Hasn't gotten that far here in NY weather has been so mild still. I was at the beach today...was 70 and fantastic. Plus we have a boardwalk to walk along the beach,it's 2mi to end and 2mi back. Gets my exercise in after sitting in chair all day on the sand.
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Claire, your pictures are so beautiful and you, girl, are badass with or without the moto boots. At times, I wish I would have went on for my doctorate in multimedia at the University of North Carolina. The professor that I worked with on a book, published by Wadsworth in 1996, was from NASA. He was so encouraging of my academic endeavors. But, alas, I had to make a choice, it was either the doctorate or the husband and family, and I chose the second. I do get nostalgic for academia and consulting, but am grateful for my fruitful education, and family. Last night, my dh and I went to our lake club. One of the men that I used to work with, before my company was bought out, told me about how our former employer let 43 people go, simultaneously. I had left the company after my son was born and my plane caught windshear over Kansas City. I thought, if I ever make it out of this plane, I am going to enjoy raising my kids. The CSNBC Financial Reporter was my seatmate, and I am sure that I bruised his arm clutching it so tight during the loss in altitude. The airport was closed that day in the town I live in, and I had to take a shuttle to St. Louis airport. The day was October 18th, which is now forever impressed into my mind. So many feelings come up when I read about other people's lives. I am grateful for the one that I have, but working with sophisticated, intelligent, academicians still sounds appealing. I don't know what the next chapter holds for me, and for now I am enjoying a simple life. My daughter graduated high school in 2016, then the bc diagnosis and treatment, so I really have not had time to sort out what I want to do next. Maybe some type of foundation executive position??
Which soup did you serve? I made my own chili recipe this week using black beans, jalepenos, red pepper, cummin, onion, fireroasted tomatoes and tomato sauce. I did add a lean ground beef for extra protein. I was able to freeze entire batch for winter. My dh is not the biggest consumer of chili, but will eat it when necessary. My goal is to have a couple of cooked meals per week, supplemented by the chicken taco soup and chili in the freezer. I am looking at doing a chicken jambalaya and adding it to rice when serving. I want to be walking most evenings when the weather permits, and feel that I need to make sure that my dh is fed.
I trot around in Sperry Duck Boots in the snow and ice, and save my leather ones for better days. Robert Clergerie sounds amazing as does your other finery. I like Cole Hann short boots, and Freebird which are handmade. There are definitely some gorgeous boots out there, but comfort is important too. I have some uggs for the colder winter days. So what where you wearing that you bought for a song???
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I got most of my Clergerie boots for <$100 which is a "song" in my book. I think I define "song" as less than 20% of initial retail value and in good condition.
Even better is <10%.
Current soup is chicken (pasture raised backs and necks from the market) with mushroom remains and veggies. I will take the chicken off the bone tomorrow and add in wild rice. Will serve with delish rolls and butter. I froze Hungarian peppers for chicken paprika. I think I will save for my neighbor who is just emerging from treatment for vulvar cancer (one you REALLY don't want).
I am fried and in need of an early night. Was just glorious for my run today. Audience intercept project is complete, or at least the interviews are. Report is due in 2.5 weeks.
I have solved the "no cheap Blue Hubbard squash" problem. The supermarket next has Blue Doll pumpkins which I think are a cross. They are cheap, and I can roast and freeze. So I will be set for the winter. Good eating plus lots of vitamins. Life is good. - Claire
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Claire, do you remember in the mid-1980s, there was a heavy duty knit fabric that better dresses were made from? A very similar knit fabric is used in a White House Black Market sweater, right now. I remember having a dress made from the 1980s knit, that took me to meetings, interviews, airline flights, etc. It reminded me of Chanel with gold domed buttons. I think I wore it with some Chanel pieces. I remember I purchased the dress at Bloomingdales for around $90, per my friend's suggestion.
Here is the link to the sweater: https://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/produc...
So, what do you freeze for winter? I just had some of my chicken taco soup for dinner, right out of my freezer!!! I was glad to have it on hand, as my dh is in Vegas and I did not want to cook or go out.
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I had a similar Louis Feraud jacket in black piped with shocking pink. Yes, it drew tons of compliments and was so comfortable. I also had a Jaeger double knit jacket-coat which I just loved and which covered a myriad of figure flaws. I ended up giving that to my mother who just loved it for the same reason. I have a two-piece Donna Karan dress (cheap resale find) in a similar fabric that I must pull out once it gets a bit chillier and which looks fab with hose and boots. I love fitted cardigans in cashmere, and I continue to add to my collection, brightening with scarves and jewelry. I need to add to both collections
As for what do I freeze? Space is limited in my fridge/freezer, so I freeze what makes the most sense. Often it's meats and sausages that I have found in my excursions and forays. Normally, I freeze pesto, but didn't get there this year. I just spied some Blue Doll pumpkins which I will buy for cheap and freeze for the winter. Similar to Blue Hubbard, but right next door and did I mention cheap? I will roast and scrape into Ziplock bags and will be good to go with a green veggie and protein. Twelve $ worth of pumpkins should last the winter. Or perhaps $18.
I also fill my crispers full of root veggies which I will do at the last market this Saturday. Should be feasting through Thanksgiving. Carrots, potatoes, Romanesco broccoli, beets, and the like. I already have tons of beets and they keep for months.
When I had a house with a real freezer, I froze tomatoes that needed using NOW. Just popped into bags and they were delish in winter sauces and soups. I just froze some Hungarian peppers for a proper Chicken Paprikash.
I need to back to my chicken soup and Irish Soda Bread from a mix left over from St Pat's Day. I like the whole wheat ones better, and have to admit that this was quite the mess. All should be just fine with enough butter. And the soup is just divine.
More later. It's been a long day with an early AM ahead. But the most glorious sunset walk. - Claire
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How do you roast the blue doll pumpkin? And, then, how do you store it - is it a mash, slice, cubed? What do you like to make with beets? My Russian college classmates made borscht.
Hopefully, you were able to get a nap. Today was just "meh" "blah" in Illinois, with heavy clouds and drizzle. My husband's aunt, just 4 years old than us, told me that she received 2 urgent pieces of mail from the mammogram center, requesting her return for followup. The letter said that "cancer does not have warning signs, or hurt." I thought that was a bit unusual, but would get the patient moving. She told me that if she had stage 3, she would do nothing. I told her, "you are crazy." People do fine with treatment, and many live normal lives with normal life spans. I also told her, the sooner she gets it checked out with diagnostic mammo and US, the better off she would be. Since my diagnosis, I have had several people admit to me that they were not up to date on their mammograms, but because of my situation the went and had them done. For a while, I felt like a priest in a confessional. Dh's aunt was one of those people. Fifty percent of women over 50 years of age, do not get mammograms. To me, that means that there are alot more than 3.5 million diagnosed and living with this condition. That number also makes me wonder if the true stat 1 in 8 women are diagnosed with bc, takes into account the other 50% that do not get mammograms. There were 39.5 million mammograms done this year according to MQSC of FDA. That does not decipher if one women had multiple mammograms or each was a unique patient.
I wonder if men will ever get mammograms, or manograms? Will it ever become a screening tool for men?
I think we have alot of data floating around "out there" that needs sifted through, analyzed and presented in a comprehensive format. And, we need to figure out why 50% of women over 50 years of age, do not get mammograms.
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Got to get ready to deliver Meals on Wheels but wanted to throw a few thoughts about the over-50 thing. Financial issues is a big reason a lot of women over 50 do not get them. Also just being very busy. I skipped mine for 2 years because I never had time and I didn't feel any lumps. A friend was diagnosed and I immediately went and got mine that was a few years ago and I've stayed up to date with yearly screenings.
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I store the Blue Doll pumpkin (or Blue Hubbard squash last year) in the freezer. When you roast it, it gets very soft, and then I let it cool and scoop the pulp out of the shell (no peeling!!!) into Ziploc bags, seal and freeze. I will have most likely about 10 packages from $12 worth of pumpkin ($6 each). They sit in the freezer nice and flat until I am ready to use them as an extra vegetable. For example, frozen spinach and squash make perfect vegetables for a whole host of dishes. It reheats in a flash in the microwave (just unfreeze enough under hot water to load into a ceramic dish). Saves money and time.
I will freeze two. I got the first one last night. I took a large shopping bag to the supermarket. The 20-something clerk's face was quite the sight when I asked him to load the 13.5 lb squash into the bag, and then slung it over my shoulder. I had another bag with wine and grated Reggio cheese.
I will serve with butter, nutmeg, and a bit of maple syrup or turbinado sugar if not sweet enough.
I am also convinced that the incidence of breast cancer is higher than what's reported. For example, how many women succumb to heart disease who also have undiagnosed breast cancer?
I have the opera tonight which should be great fun. The past few days here have been breathtaking, and the weekend should be as well. So I will get to use my bicycle. The back tire is holding up, so I think wheel lining tape was the problem. I got in a run last night at dusk. Again breathtaking. Saturday will be the last market, so I will visit and stock up on vegetables. These should last me until Thanksgiving, with things like carrots lasting until Christmas.
Yum, and yum again! - Claire
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Had my last fun in the sun this weekend with 70+ degree weather. Hit the beach and for the first time this year...hit the water. I could not go in the water all summer due to biopsies then the mastectomy..so Sunday I figured what the heck, I'm healed, the day is warm I'll jump in and out quick since no lifeguards and I'm not that bold. Felt good to say I did it. Felt cheated this summer.
As for Mammograms..why do they also want to change the age of when to start. This study says it's not effective under 40, this one says that. Its like eggs are bad for you, then 2 yrs later eggs are good for you. Think many women are afraid if they go they will have breast cancer, some say they don't have the time(I tend to think that is just a denial excuse the mind makes because going can be unpleasant and nerve wracking). Well don't have to worry about Mammo's anymore!
You ladies make me hungry when I read your posts. I love reading cooking magazines..rip out recipes with intentions of making but alas, I am a lousy cook. My kids would agree. Except when they come home from college. Then my cooking looks good to them. lol.
All my boots are ready and flip flops have been put away.
Any leftovers, you ladies can ship it to me.
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Well, it turned really chilly today - in the 30's chilly. I had to put on an American Eagle Vest and cover up with an Old Navy vest under my covers, which are not too thick, to get warm. My dog has his coat/vest on and provides some much needed heat. I think it takes a while for the body to understand and synthesize the changing of the seasons. It is always a shock to go from 80 to 30's. But, alas, I won't complain because the extreme heat is too much for me. At least I can layer up.
I am working on my work space, and as some of you know I am a jewelry designer. I found a mid century modern typewriter stand in a gorgeous green color. It has a fold up extra table on the right side. It is metal and will provide much needed space for my workstation in the family room/couch/nesting area. I am getting excited about incorporating this piece into my daily work. I have been watching alot of Flea Market Flip, and just could not resist. I will post a pic later.
Tonight we celebrate our 23rd anniversary, which is technically tomorrow. We are going to our lake club, and will have our fav chef prepare something amazing. I only dine out one day per week, so it has to be something amazing. My husband came home from our land last night, and warmed up some of the chili that I had been working on, and I warmed up some of my standby chicken taco soup. I never get tired of it because it has black beans, corn, onion, red pepper, jalapenos, chicken, cumin spice, etc. and it takes like a Mexican veggie soup. I add extra salt free broth when it is really chilly and it seems to warm me up.
What is everyone doing this weekend?
Maybe, one day, we will know the true stats of breast cancer occurrence. I bet it is 1 in 5 women will have breast cancer diagnosed during their lifetime. It seems like everyday, I meet or talk with another survivor. Did you know that transwomen, who don't get screened unless they have taken hormones for longer than 5 years, can develop breast cancer? I wonder too, if transmen, who were born women, get breast cancer as well? So many factors to consider, when looking at the population of undiagnosed breast cancer patients.
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The weather is cold and rany here today. The temperature is 52 the rain makes it feel 42. The first part of my day was spent shopping for trunk or treat. I'm decorating my "trunk" (the back of my Odyssey) for tomorrow festivities at our church. The rain is to move out early in the morning. I truly hope it does! I took my girl and oldest grandson out to lunch then came home. The afternoon was spent crafting for my trunk and finishing up youngest grandson costume. He wanted to be a robot. (Which he call I-Dot) DH and SIL rode to Sweet Water TN to get another G-Body. DH just happened to catch an ad where someone was selling a T-Type turbo. The ad said or trade for a mustang 64-66. We had a 66 convertible and the trade went smooth. So now there is 8 cars in the driveway. He collects cars like I do lipstick and shoes! Yesterday I made a huge pot of Hungarian cabbage rolls. I love making them as much as my family loves eating them. Tonight is soup and salad. I'm making a big pot of potato soup and a tossed salad with kale, spinach, romaine, cranberries, purple onion and carrots.
I burnt my index finger wit hot glue and of course its on my LE hand...
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I have been cycling in the glorious sunshine here. Plus, one final foray to the farmers market for end-of-season goodies. Amazing meals to follow.
Greatly enjoying my new crankset which makes cycling a breeze. Did 25 miles today and finally feel fit again.
Braising lamb hearts right now for the week ahead, and will roast a bit of the Romanesco broccoli (above left) to go with. Tonight's dinner is a pork chop and I snipped a few herbs to make it extra delish. The Buttercup squash is destined for soup. Celery root for Thanksgiving. Carrots for whenever, but will be super-delish roasted.
I love eating seasonally, and it's possible in the Pacific NW.
In looking through what is offered in NW Scotland, I see that eats on the cycling tour I am planning for 2019 will be similar. Can't wait.
We are truly "spoilt for choice". Not to mention that the tour I am planning also features whisky-tasting. Life is wonderful. - Claire
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Claire, your pics are wonderful!! When you say braising lamb hearts for the week ahead, what exactly do you mean? How many lamb hearts, and how many meals will they provide for you? My husband brought in a giant turnip from our land. We plant them for the deer and they eat the greens plus bulb. I am looking at what to do with turnips. You are lucky that you can eat farm to table year round.
Varga, I remember the days of decorating the porch for trick or treaters and put out my pumpkins this year, plus all my fall decor. I especially loved repo'ing my kids candy bars from their stash and freezing them for later treats. Thank God it was All Saints Day on Nov 1, because the kids were so hung over from sugar. I was so mad at myself today as my daughter called for the gold high wedge sandals for an Egyptian costume and I had taken them to the resale store because she put them in the to go box. My son's room mate needed a costume and I had just gotten rid of the alien mask that I held onto for 10 years. When is it okay to get rid of stuff? I have so much more to get rid of, but now I am going to second guess everything.
You would have thought I won the lottery yesterday. I went shopping at a Habitat store and found an amazing rolling typewriter stand that is mid century modern in a green. I use a small desk/tray table every day for my jewelry design work and was able to really use this handy, rolling, flip up side table cart. I paid 4.99 and they are going for 150 bucks online. I took the specialty wood tray table (one my neighbor put a well in for me) and can use it on my rolling typewriter stand or lap. I plan to sand and stain it a dark expresso and add some leather handles. I was able to put my Harbor Freight rigger's bag turned jewelry tool organizer on the lower bars. Here is a peak...
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Michelle - Great find!
Clair - Lovely pic of nature's bounty!
Every Sat, I go to the Cancer Support Community Center across the river for a 10 am Art of Living Meditation. It is a wonderful group meditation with caregivers, survivors and those undergoing treatment. It was chilly yesterday morning at 33 degrees, but I bundled up with a sweater under my raincoat with liner - just could not break out the winter coat yet!
Last Sat., after meditation, there was a wonderful healthy soups cooking class at the Center. Soups made were Split Pea and Spinach with Garlic Yogurt "topper", Butternut Squash Cranberry Bisque (also good with Garlic Yogurt "topper"), Bacon/Potato/White Bean/and Red Pepper Soup, and Chicken Noodle Soup. I sampled the first 2 and they were wonderful. PM me if anyone wants the recipes.
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I have a 2 packages of two lamb hearts each, so a total of 4 meals. I have done the preliminary braising, but have since seen a recipe that calls for a tomato sauce. So I will adapt with a small can of tomatoes that I will augment by those I need to use NOW. Then I will braise some more, reduce the sauce, and serve sliced with a side of the fresh fettucine I got yesterday. Not sure what else yet.
Right now, I am focused on the mess I managed to make with the hair color. Spots all over the bathroom floor, and some on the carpet where I managed to track it. The floor ones will dissipate with time, and I think I have gotten most of the carpet ones.
Still foggy here, so no ride. But ahead of the game with work and hair color once I finish cleaning up the mess. I will sneak in a run in an hour or so.
The turnip should be wonderful sliced and roasted in a bit of butter. I will eat those a bit later in the season. The Pacific NW grows wonderful turnips and rutabagas.
Congrats on snagging the table. Those things make such a difference.
I love soups. The buttercup squash in the picture is destined for soup. I do a curry-cream soup, and it's just delicious. But not for today.
Back to the mess, drying my hair, a run (will the sun make it out today???), and another work project. - Claire
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I ended up doing the lamb hearts over polenta. All worked out just fine. Next time (tomorrow?), I will serve with baby bok choy or broccoli rabe as it needs something more bitter than spinach. But the dish is a winner!!!
I am glad that I made with a tomato sauce in the end. It was delish, and the mushrooms were a bonus. Next time, I will do with sausage meat, most likely Italian as the Tesco recipe suggests.
I have 3 more servings left so don't think I will get around to the revision for a month or 2. It's so nice to have a cheap and delicious alternative to lamb shanks which can be (amazingly) as pricey as rack of lamb.
I spent the evening listening to fabulous opera performances to counteract the effects of the less-than-fabulous production of a few days ago. No substitute for first-class singing.
Sun never came completely out, but got in the run anyway. Unfortunately, I was not careful enough with the hair color, so colored the bathroom floor, and a few spots on my off-white carpet as well. The bathroom floor will fade over time.
I am thinking of a pheasant for Thanksgiving as so much easier than turkey for a small group. Or, I will do Cornish Game Hens again.....cheap and easy. Haven't done pheasant in a while though, so that may win.
Off to bed. - Claire
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Oh, the food sounds amazing and I might give it a try after more research. I have been a simple, raw vegetarian most of my life, so I am curious about meats, sauces, dishes, especially for my dh. I am in no danger of being a gourmet cook, just want a few dishes that I can rely upon.
I totally missed my appt today with the PA at my MO's. I thought it was 3, and it was at 11:30pm. I was trying to get in on the 40% off at Dicks Sporting Goods 1 hour sale. My entire day got messed up by lack of sleep, missed doctor's appt, computer crash, and accidently ran into a person from my past that haunts me. We were business partners of sorts, and let other people get in the middle of our friendship through gossip, agitation, and threats. I have been deeply hurt over our ceded friendship, and today was a bit of a healing day. Some people are not happy for other's success. They want to tear it down, stomp on it, and ruin it. I have never felt that anger so directly, as I did in that particular situation. I am a much more private person now, and extend myself alot less.
I have started thinking about the Holidays, but not sure yet what I will make or where we will go for dinners, etc. I am looking forward to tomorrow, a new day. Hugz to all...
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The sun is shining - so I am off to a better start. We have the trick or treaters coming tonight and dh is fixing the problematic screen door. Time to give away my big resale/donation/gifting pile. More later ---
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Gosh, I feel like I am 200 pounds lighter. I stopped at the Goodwill and donated, dropped off some items to my sister's house, dropped of some scarves to my husband's aunt's house and I feel amazing. It is hard to get rid of things, but when I think about the better things and the new things that I can enjoy, it is worthwhile. I want to have the essentials, but I don't know what that looks like. My lifestyle has so many facets, that there are essentials for different things. I have 1) active wear for everyday use, 2) modern wardrobe for grocery shopping/casual dining, 3) dress clothes for weddings, church, nicer restaurants, parties, etc., 4) outdoor clothes for winter walking and going to our land. I have given away so much active wear that had the club's logo on it that I used to oversee - I was a walking advertisement. Today, I gave away several black jackets that were in good shape, and received a Calia jacket yesterday to replace the one's I gave away. My plan is to keep paring down, until I have an essential household.
Question is: what do you have in your closets?
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My closet is PACKED! I have donated so much to the rescue mission and could stand to donate more. I have lots of active wear (or black house pants as my husband calls them lol) daily casual wear (for all my volunteering ) dressy clothes for church and any other occasion were I would need dressy clothes. I also have a mega stack of zumba wear. Plus all the shoes to go with all the clothes. I have lots of camisoles (I freeze year round)I wear one everyday. The freezing leads to a nice stack of thermal tops and cuddle duds! I just love to shop!
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