Uplifting and Lively Messages. No holds barred..
Comments
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I have been MIA but I'm back now! I have been reading along I just have not had time to post.
Michelle - there are 2 mini schnauzers in the foothills of SC. Debra's Mini Schnauzers and Carolina Charm (who is a champion line breeder). I was going to say cornstarch to! I cook EVERYTHING night. It does get old! Especially the cleaning up after part. TO'Day I made a big pot of vegetable soup just for me! I realize I need to eat healthier. I would love to have your go to soup recipe. I have gain so much weight these pasted few months and it's time for it to go!! I am thinking as long as I have a go to bowl of low calorie soup to turn to I should be able to lose some weight.
I will try to keep up better! Lol
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Here is my go to soup recipe, called Chicken Taco Soup,
1. 6 chicken thighs with bone in, pull skin off. After cooking for about 6 hours, pull bone out. Should be easy, if not let cook longer.
2. 3 cans, 15oz, of black beans, rinsed and drained
3. 16 oz of frozen corn kernels
4. 1 can of fire roasted tomatoes as plain as possible (some seasoning ok)
5. One white onion diced
6. One jalapeno chopped
7. One red pepper chopped
8. 2 teaspoons of cumin powder
9. 2 teaspoons of chili powder
10. 1 teaspoon of salt
11. 1 teaspoon of pepper (more if needed)
12. Low sodium chicken broth to fill the crockpot to the brim - usually not much room but can be added when eating or later
Tips:
- Cooks fully at 7 hours, but six hours might be enough. Use low temperature.
- If I pull a container out of the freezer and want more broth, I add more low sodium chicken broth and a sprinkle of cumin. I don't like my seasonings watered down.
- If it is too spicy, you can squeeze juice from a fresh lime into it, which cuts the heat.
- You are getting 6 veggies and protein in a serving.
- I like pulling the bone out at the end, it seems to give more flavor. Cut or tear chicken into small pieces.
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Thanks Michelle! Sounds yummy! I do not like to use water either. I prefer broth to!
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Roughriders vs Blackhawks tonight! Having a blast!
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Hi Michelle,
What about something like cooking lessons in Tuscany??? That will do wonders on a number of fronts. My old work partner did this, and he came back just amazed. One of his observations was that Italian grandmothers are still sexy. I will raise a glass to that, while also suspecting there is something to be learned.
I did a ride with a friend in the farmland today. Found a place for really fresh eggs and talked to the farmer. I will get my Thanksgiving turkey there this year. I love supporting such enterprise. I will eat the eggs next week, and I got to meet some of the hens.
Will do an early start to Rainier in the AM. Promise pix if I get there and have a great ski. This girl needs an adventure as life has been far too dull recently.
Veggies are roasting. Need to reheat my steak
That's my story and I'm sticking to it. - Claire 0 -
Claire, be careful on the mountain. Is this your birthday weekend? Yes, girls do need adventures.
I must have neglected to tell everyone, my husband father's family is 100% Sicilian. They are pretty good cooks, thought no one comes close to my sister in the Indian/Pakistani, homestyle, and nutritious cooking arena. My brother in law, from New York, makes my favorite grilled veggies. My sister in law, from Washington, D.C. makes spaghetti and sauce (which I don't eat because of the gluten.) My sister in law from New York, makes wonderful cookies. My best friend's mom, is from Sicily, and grew up in Sicily. She is a very good cook, but I would feel weird asking for cooking lessons. I made chili today, which I have to divide into portions for freezing.
Also, the doggie got a bath, and I did laundry. Stopped at Ann Taylor loft and found a cute purse ornament with my initial and a top for $10. Found the cutest dress/worn over leggings, at Loft. So cute and so urban. The fabric was very soft and it was 40% off. I tried the medium for sizing of the neck area, but purchased a large. I could have worn the medium, but would be more comfortable in the large.
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I love working with the quatrefoil shapes. Here is a pair of earrings, along with the pearl necklace that I worked on this week. I put the earrings on a Dior card for a little color.
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Love the tunic and the jewelry! Just fab.
You may not believe this, but occasionally I am prudent. I got up to ski, but really needed snowshoes which I neglected to take with me. I gave skiing a good try, but realized that I was an injury waiting to happen. There was no real track for skis, and the rest was a softened crust, that my poles kept going down in. This is a sure-fire recipe for a nasty shoulder injury. I couldn't control my skis in the snowshoe tracks, and the crust wouldn't hold me dependably. The short section where it did was fun. Plus, there was avalanche danger as the snow destabilized in the warm temps.
So I took a few great pictures and bailed. Just glorious scenery, and glad I went. I will go next time when it's cold and fresh powder. - Claire
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Nice pics, Claire. Glad you did not try anything heroic on the ski slopes. My roommate at the UofA and I went to Sunrise in Arizona. She lived in the mountains and was a vet major. She ended up getting a concussion and an ambulance ride down the black diamond, and I slid down on my backside. It is so easy to get hurt. Let's just say, I don't ski.
I have been doing research on Magnesium Citrate and Oxide. When my legs start hurting or cramping, from the Tamoxifen, the magnesium seems to work in easing that pain. There are so many different kinds, used for different issues. During my research, I ran across "Doan's Pills." Does anyone remember those from the 70s? They were used for back pain, and the main ingredient was magnesium salicylate. CVS pharmacy still sells them.
Thanks for the compliments on the jewels and dress. Trying to tie up loose ends on my work bench, so I can start something new. Hope everyone is having a great holiday.
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I got out skiing and cycling so the best weekend imaginable. Back to the grindstone tomorrow. Yes, I do remember Doan's Pills which have been around for at least 100 years. They were initially sold to treat "kidney disease". It makes sense that they would contain active ingredients that would ease back pain.
I realized when I walked to the supermarket for milk and potatoes that I got more exercise than I had thought. Plus, I am more than ready for an early night in having finished the red cabbage and bratwurst. Being prudent comes from experience. I suffered through at least 2 years of shoulder pain from landing on my left shoulder in the skiing parking lot, and then pulling my right shoulder when my ski pole disappeared into the deep snow. Both were memorable.
Being self-employed, I need to be fit and able to meet my commitments.
The saw tooth mountains in the background are called the Tatoosh Range. I must get some Tatoosh Whiskey. Revenge on the evil snow will be sweet. - Claire
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All you girls get out and about so much! Loved all the pictures. Michelle, the beads are simply divine! I think jewelry crafting is something I would love since I love collection unique pieces.
I did some grocery shopping this morning. I purchased everything I need to make the chicken soup! I will make it on Wednesday. We are on the "watch for snow" list again. The temperatures are in the low 20's currently and there is a light breeze blowing. According to weather bug will be in the 50's this weekend. The outdoor decorations will make it to storage finally! When we had the warmer weather last week we had enough rain to cause floodin so the warm spot was a wash...lol.
I have been eating healthy for 4 days now and I feel so much better. DH can be a meat and potatoes guy I just can't eat like that. It made me feel tried and I'm always hungry. I have had my vegetable soup, Greek yogurt, Kiefer, salads and I made nachos last night. Half beef and my half chicken. They were yummy!
Thanks for letting me ramble!
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Claire, love your descriptions of your experiences in the nature of Seattle area. I always look forward to reading your postings. It is a good thing that you are prudent, because mountains and snow are dicey. Do you ever see people on toboggans up there? When I was growing up, we had a 3 seat, galvanized metal toboggan, with wood slats for feet. To steer, we had a leather strap hinged to the front. It seemed like the heavier the people. the faster the toboggan. We actually have snow in Illinois!!! But it as cold as Alaska. We also had metal saucers, like Clark Griswold from Christmas Vacation, that we would put Crisco on, to go faster.
Varga, I made chili with the same recipe, except for pan browned ground beef and onions instead of chicken, a can of tomato sauce instead of chicken broth, sans the corn and red peppers. Leave the jalapenos, tomatoes, 3 cans of black beans drained, plus the spices. I am looking for a hint of a smokey flavor to add to the mix. I was able to freeze 2 decent sized containers, along with other containers of the chicken taco soup that I made last week.
Working on a beading project, before returning to the organization project of my room upstairs. With the cold weather, I just don't feel like organizing, but more "hunkering" down with the beads and dog. It is amazing that our weather can swing 112 degrees. My body does not adapt well to the extremes, but prefers anything from 45 to 85 degrees, which we get most of the year. April to the end of December, we are usually in those ranges. Jan, Feb, March we see the extreme cold, and August we see extreme heat and humidity.
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No school tomorrow due to impending snow. But I promise if I see grass in my yard tomorrow after this passes through like I did last time (we were in a dry pocket and got just barely a trace) I will be so sad. If we are going to be out, I at least want to be able to enjoy it.
On a high note, my request for text books for my classes was approved so I will be getting them in the next month or so I hope. I have 2 sets coming, one for 6-7 grade and one for 8th grade.
I also got asked for a wish list for my auditorium for “capital needs” that the county would pay for. I’m in way over my head but we need lights and sound and mics and monitors... I will be using the days off to do some research.
Year one in middle school is turning out to be quite busy
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I will not go up to Mount Rainier over Martin Luther King's Holiday ever again as it was just jammed with people, many of whom had sleds/toboggans. It was far too warm as well. Hopefully, much better skiing at Snoqualmie this coming weekend. I can't wait...
We had a wooden toboggan when I was growing up. It had a dent, which is why Dad got it cheap. But it was great fun, and the most fun run was a run that had small trees, a jump, and ended in the brook bank. You tried to bail prior to hitting the bank. Our dog was always there to help out.
I can't imagine life without winters. It's been far too warm here recently, warmer than July often is. I feel so fortunate to still enjoy all this winter wonder. I will be in the Methow Valley in just over three weeks. I also located my brand new Bloomingdale's gloves that I bought on sale 2 years ago when the East Coast was very mild. I suspect that good gloves are scarce this year!!!
I got my car back this evening, and all appears to be well. Slammed with work once again. Suspect this is what's called a "pipeline".
Off to crash. Tomorrow is another day. More adventures to come. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. New egg source (local farm with chickens running around) is just fab. So glad to be able to support this sort of enterprise. - Claire
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TanRenne- I didn't realize you worked for the school system. I worked for the school system for 13 years. I resigned when my girl graduated. No way was I sending her to a day program! Since she is nonverbal I do not trust anyone with her.
Claire- I just remembered when we crossed Oregon years ago there was a HUGE mountain that the trucker referred to as Cabbage. Do you know what mountain that would be? I can remember that I could look at the passenger window and see the highway winding down below. It was a beautiful sight!
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I just looked up Cabbage Mountain, and this is what I found.
Deadman Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 3,631ft (1.107m) above the sea level, located in Oregon, USA. Drivers attempting to negotiate the pass are in for a challenge: Heading northwest, you're forced to climb more than 2,000 feet in elevation that's chock-full of double-hairpin turns, as well as 6 percent grades. Heading southeast, the scenario flip-flops, and your brakes need to be operating at their full potential.
The road over the pass, also known as Cabbage Hill or Emigrant Hill, is asphalted. It’s called Interstate 84, also known as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway. It’s located between the towns of La Grande and Pendleton. Interstate 84, which closely follows the Trail on the southern slope is also notorious for treacherous conditions, especially in winter, because of the steep double hair-pin downgrades. Most of the accidents involve out-of-state freight trucks, 59% attributable to brake failures.
Even I-90 over Snoqualmie Pass can be very tricky. I will most likely go skiing on Sunday as it's supposed to snow in the mountains over the weekend. It's very tricky driving up Mount Rainier, though the road was clear on Sunday. They close the non-essential mountain pass roads here in the winter, for good reason.When the weather is snowy, I describe skiing as 2 sports in one - Nordic skiing PLUS extreme winter driving. Why I am glad to have my Subaru Rexxie back. - Claire0 -
Clarie - I didn't even think that I could Google "Cabbage Mountain " and find results! I thought it was just trucker lingo. Thank you! I have been all over the US and Oregon is definitely one of the most refreshing states. I loved to watch the night skiing from the highway. Just the little glow from the lights while the skiers whooshed their way down the slope.
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I can’t get pictures to load... internet, phone and cable are out. (But I do have power!) I just wanted to report that this time we got SNOW. About 6 or 7 inches. I plan on playing tomorrow. I was napping a lot as it snowed today due to lack o sleep last night. Tomorrow we are closed again so I plan to enjoy the day. I wish I had a sled
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Seize the moment, TaRenee!!!!!!! Snow angels, rolling down a hill in the snow, whatever. Can you appropriate a sled??? Or make do with a tray or something else that will slide???
I am hoping to get up skiing this weekend and do a REAL ski. Less scenic, but more fun than last weekend.
Plan on some great refreshments for after you have done something a bit "odd". Because you don't know when the next time you will be that get to celebrate the SNOW!!! Let us know how it goes. - Claire
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I agree with celebrating the ability to sled in real snow!!! What I am wondering is, what is a great recipe for hot chocolate that does not involve cow's milk? I plan to check out the internet for some recipes. I wonder if you can make "crock pot hot chocolate?"
Yesterday, I did not accomplish what I wanted to. My dog had kept me up until the dawn, and I was dragging yesterday. Plan to get out and buy some apples, romaine lettuce, and salad ingredients today. We are supposed to be getting some warmth, 20 and above, here in Illinois. Every time that I go outside or open the door, it feels like a deep freezer. I have to do something to mitigate the extreme cold temperatures. Currently, I am beading my way to warmer days!!!
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Michelle- this recipe is gluten free to! It's yummy on a cold day!
6-9 oz good quality dark or bittersweet chocolate coarsely chopped
6 cups almond milk
One 14.5 oz can coconut milk
4 tbsp sugar
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Stir everything together in a slow cooker put the cover on turn it on low and cook it until the chocolate is melted and almond milk is hot about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Whisk to combine and enjoy!
We are still sub zero here! Only have 3 inches of snow and there is lots of ice to go with it. The DOT used 8 tons of salt and sand yesterday in our corner of NC. Deep in the state actually got up to 9 inches and that is rare for the Raleigh Durham area.
Has the caution with Romain lettuce been lifted? The e-coli warning has been in the news here. We typically has salad every night and I have switch to spring mix for now. "Leafy greens and Romaine" were on the "watch list"
Bundle up and stay warm!
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I don't think that packets of Starbuck's cocoa contain either dairy or gluten. (I just checked.) They are super-convenient and delish. I make with boiling water (add to about one-third full) and stir. You might want to complete with hot coconut or almond milk. I complete with water and then float heavy cream on top. I used to make cocoa/hot chocolate with a pot, and stir, stir, stir. No longer.
It's rich enough so that you can use a large cup.
I don't eat that many salads in the winter. I have a larder full of root vegetables, and need to roast up some beets, after I finish the sweet potato in the fridge. I am trying to eat up some of the contents of the freezer to make room for my Methow Valley trip coming up (local butcher there is amazing). Last night's dinner was wild boar pasta that I bought in the market back in October. I have some fresh linguini that I also need to eat. Not to mention the squash I froze a couple of months ago. I think you need the extra nutrition of root vegetables this time of year.
I have found a new source for eggs, and they are just delish. Met these guys last Saturday during my ride. My route up skiing goes right past the farm.
It's snowing in the mountains today and Saturday should be glorious for skiing
I will be working the rest of the weekend. Not tons of money, but enough to make a difference. Interesting projects, too, and ones where my perspective is important.That's my story, and I'm sticking to it. - Claire
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I see no grass! I’m so excited! We got close to 6 inches or maybe more. It is beautiful! I haven’t ventured out more than to take pictures but I will soon!
Varga... you got what we got last time. Ice is no fun. But I plan on playing in this snow while it lasts!
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Clarie - a few nights ago I roasted sweet potates with a Vidalia onion, garlic and a few herbs. I am looking foward to doing that again! You roast beets to? I might need to try that next. I loved beets when I was a child but haven't had them on years.
TaRenne- what state are you in? The snow looks inviting! The wind is still being mean here! So we I'm inside!
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Varga I’m in NC. North of Raleigh.
Here is my first ever snowman I grew up on a beach so I made it as I would a sandcastle I had no idea what I was doing but I had fun!
I also did a snow angel. The sun was starting to melt away some before I took the picture. 
That was some good exercise for sure. I had a great time out there0 -
TaRenee - we are only a few hours apart! I'm just outside of Asheville! I have family in Youngsville
The snowman looks amazing! I am so glad you had fun in the snow! It's still to cold to venture outside here.
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My girls make my heart smile!!! Today, it was over 40 here in Illinois...that is up over 40 degrees since last week. It felt so wonderful. I am loving the snow pics. So, totally want the scoop on furniture in North Carolina. Looking for leather couch and chair. Found some at Macy's but would love to find them at a manufacturer.
Claire, you are right about eating root veggies. I have carrots, but really am not family with cooking other types. Love sweet potatoes. Picked up greens, mushrooms, cucumbers for salad, which I will add carrot slices and onions as well.
Dropped off some jewelry pieces for a silent auction, so I took that off of my list. I don't like commitments hanging over my head.
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Michelle, there lots of furniture manufacturers in Hickory. Not sure about pricing these days I know they do have big warehouse sales. When I drove a truck that's what I hauled out west was furniture LOL. That's why I've been to so many states out west.
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Love, love, love the snowman. I am ready to drop into bed, but need to do a word cloud first. At least tomorrow is a work from home day. - Claire
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Varga, if you have family in Youngsville then you know my little town. I’m in Franklinton! Small world!
Snow is melting 😕 so I’m trying to enjoy it while I can. Patches in the yard are already snow free from the sunshine yesterday. It is still cold, but I get hot so easily that I am not noticing it. Yesterday I was outside all bundled up for about 30 minutes. Then the layers started coming off. I was so hot and sweaty! I came in and put on a tee shirt and went back outside to cool off a bit. (I know, I could get sick that way but dammit I was HOT)
School is still closed so I am on day 3 of cuddle duds and loving it. I’ve read 4 books so far and am almost fin with number 5.
My other pastime is watching the cat play. He’s young so he still plays a LOT. Here he is with his favorite red ball.
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