Happy Homemaker Monday 06/22

Posted on June 22, 2015 by Carrie Ann Alexis

I think it is safe to say…SUMMER IS HERE!!

As always Linking-up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS:

CURRENTLY READING/HAVE READ:
Recently I posted a couple of titles that I had just started reading. I think I will go back to posting once they are actually read. So this is a re-cap.

The Teller by Jonathan Stone. This one sounded really good, and I did start reading it. I thought it would be your usual suspense type novel. But it did take an unexpected turn. This one was a bit dark, and took a turn I was not expecting, with some pretty graphic criminal activity. This is why I will go back to suggesting books that I have read all the way through. 🙂

The Memory Thief by Emily Colin. This one was good. It had some good twists and turns, romance and was overall the type of book I was trying to figure out as I turned each page.

AS I LOOK OUTSIDE MY WINDOW:
It’s nice to see the “Welcome to our Garden” sign hanging on the detached garage. My mom and I have been fighting with it for a couple of days, trying to hang it. The garage is old (and in desperate need of painting, but the weather just won’t cooperate), so the wood was not very strong, and we needed to put some new hooks up to hang it. These two Polish ladies never give up, therefore we used our trusty tape measure and ingenuity and got it done…and it was actually straight on the first try!!

ON THE TO DO LIST:
Made a nice long to-do list for the summer. Is it just me, or does anyone else add items to their to-do list that they have already done, just so you can cross it off?

I have a lot of organizing I want to do, and I just signed up for an online class to learn how to code Java Script. (I really am a geek, so this sounds fun to me).

ON THE MENU THIS WEEK:
I haven’t made out my menu plan yet, and need to grocery shop.

NEW RECIPE I TRIED OR WANT TO TRY THIS WEEK:
Here is a recipe I tried a couple of weeks and ago, and it was really good. A delicious sweet summer salad/dessert.

Banana Split Fluff Salad

1 – 3.4 ounce box instant banana pudding
1 – 20 ounce can crushed pineapple (do not drain)
1 – 8 ounce container Cool Whip
1 cup mini marshmallows
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts + 2 Tablespoons for garnish (I used peanuts)
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
2 ripe bananas, sliced
1 – 10 ounce jar maraschino cherries, halved
Instructions

Stir together the pudding mix and pineapple until dissolved and thickened. Fold in the Cool Whip. Gently stir in the marshmallows, nuts, chocolate chips, bananas, and cherries. Refrigerate at least 1 hour to chill. Makes about 8 cups salad.

MY FAVORITE BLOG POST/VIDEO THIS WEEK:
I love to watch this guy’s videos. He has to be the best photo editor out there. So much fun to watch!!

LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS WEEK:
There is a handwriting analysis program at the library!! I have known about this for awhile, sooo looking forward to it, it’s going to be very interesting.

The Art Gallery in town will have its reception for the art show that my daughter has submitted a photo for. Never been to one of these before, so not sure what to expect. There will be photos, and paintings displayed. This will give us an opportunity to meet some of the other artists as well.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA:
These are pictures I actually took about a week ago. My one son was the one who discovered these clouds as he looked out the window. So we went outside to look at them closer. I have never seen anything like this before. They looked like cotton balls, it was really something to see.

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES (PRAYERS OR DEVOTIONALS):

#BlogBattle: Frog – Week 14 – Catch and Release

Posted on June 16, 2015 by Carrie Ann Alexis

It’s Tuesday again and time for #BlogBattle. But first I have to take a moment to celebrate the Chicago Blackhawks for winning the Stanley Cup last night in Chicago!! They have not won the Stanley Cup in Chicago since 1938, but…they have won it 3 times in the past 6 years. Definitely a winning team for a great city!! WooHoo!!

Now onto some more fun. #BlogBattle is a weekly short story challenge using a single word for inspiration. Hosted by the talented Rachael Ritchey. This weeks word: Frog

Catch and Release

“Fred….Fred…wake up!! You have to get up…she took Maddie.” Frank says urgently.

“Huh?….Whaaaat? Who? Who took Maddie?” Fred answers groggily, opening his eyes.

“That lady…the one in the white lab coat…you know the biologist I told you about.” Frank says hastily.

Half-asleep Fred asks, “Are you sure?”

“Yes!! I’m sure.” Frank contends.

“OK, Frank…now tell me again what is a biologist?”

“There’s no time for that Fred. Let’s just say if a biologist gets a hold of guys like us, it isn’t pretty. We must hurry and find Maddie.” Frank says desperately trying to get Fred to focus and moving.

“So how do you know Maddie was taken?” Fred asks trying to gather the facts as they turn to leave.

“Phil. He told us he saw the whole thing.” Frank says nonchalantly.

“Phil.” Fred says flatly and comes to an abrupt stop. “I wouldn’t believe a thing Phil says, you know he’s had his beady little eyes on Maddie since the day he got here.”

“Well, he told us where to find her, if she’s not there, then you can accuse him of being a liar. We must go, come on.” Frank persuades him.

Phyllis is already there, twitching back and forth at the opening of the clearing to the yard. She can see the glass chamber that is holding Maddie captive. She doesn’t want Maddie to see her yet, so she stays back and waits for the others.

Frank and Fred approach and come to a screeching halt. Shocked Fred says, “He was telling the truth. How did this happen? What was she doing in the yard in the light of day?”

“She hasn’t been herself lately,” Phyllis says quietly.

“Phyllis!!” Frank says in a scolding voice, and gives her the eye to shut her mouth.

“What? She hasn’t.” Phyllis says with indignation. “Ever since that cute little Asian Frog showed up from across the pond, and was all flirty with Freddie here…where he all but forgot his name…she’s been upset.”

“I didn’t forget my name. Maddie knows I only have eyes for her, that’s nonsense.” Fred says a little too dismissively. “How was she lured into that contraption?”

Fred somberly says, “Phil was a little hesitant talking about this part, but it was the ol’ fly on a string ruse, he couldn’t seem to bring himself to elaborate on it, all he could do is shake his head, and repeat, such a shame, such a shame.”

“Ugh!! How did Maddie fall for that?” Fred says trying to contain his anxiety.

“Maybe she’s just hungry Freddie, I mean she’s been starving herself, ever since Little Miss Thing, with all her exoticness, made that snarky comment about Maddie looking like she is with tadpoles, Maddie thinks she looks fat…it’s made her a little self conscious.” Phyllis says vindicating her friend.

Frank cuts his eyes at Phyllis and sarcastically says, “Really Phyllis.”

Phyllis steps back and says, “Alright, alright…I’ll shut up. But how are we going to get Maddie out of there? It’s beginning to get dark now.”

“Let’s get closer, we’ll let her know we are here, and try to figure something out.” Fred says, just needing to see her.

* ~ *

Nita gets out of the shower, and gets herself ready for bed. She prays she will get some sleep tonight. She cannot continue to function on no sleep and Red Bull much longer. They say hindsight is 20/20, and they aren’t kidding. Putting in that beautiful pond in the backyard was not such a good idea after all. Sure it’s peaceful, and mom enjoys some quiet time out there, but she’s on the other side of the house where she doesn’t hear the frogs croaking at night. All. night. long. Hopefully her little abduction will do the trick. Nita slightly cringes abduction is such a strong word, it makes me feel like a criminal…desperate times call for desperate measures…the frog is in a safe place…just away from my window.

Nita smashes her fists into her pillow a few times, slides down into her cool sheets, and pulls the covers to her chin, and wiggles around until she finds a comfortable spot. Just as she closes her eyes, she hears it. “No, no, no…not happening.” She whines to no one, almost crying.

She whips the covers off, gets up and slips on her flip-flops and grabs a flashlight. “That’s it!! This stops tonight.” She says with the fierceness of a bona fide hunter.

She exits the patio doors, and walks across the yard, to the other side of the shed where she has set up her makeshift aquarium. What’s the big deal, it’s not like I have the little amphibian chained to a brick wall in a dark cellar. Its got water, some leaves, a little dirt, it should feel like it’s at the spa.

Just as she rounds the corner, she carefully shines her flashlight in the direction of the croaking. What she sees, stops her in her tracks. Two frogs are sitting quietly on the grass in front of the glass case leaning their heads together. A third frog has its hands up against the glass, resting its head and sadly looking in at the frog inside. This is the one that is doing all the croaking. All the other frogs are quiet. The frog inside the container has one of its hands resting on the glass against the other frog’s hand.

Nita raises her hand to her mouth in awe. “Awww…the frog’s little friends must really miss it. This is so cute.” She says quietly as she cautiously approaches.

The three frogs look at her as she approaches. One of the two starts croaking to the other one.

“OK, let’s quiet down, let’s see what she wants, I’m fluent in homo sapien.” Says Frank with his usual bravado.

Phyllis looks at him with an alluring smile and a look of newfound admiration.

“Ok….ok. I’ll let your little friend go. What do I know about frogs, I’m just a cosmetologist…a tired one at that. I’m the one disturbing your home, I just wish you could be a little more quiet at night so I could get some sleep.” Nita gently lifts the frog out of the container and sets it down next to the other frogs.

“I’ll just have to figure something else out…go on…enjoy your night.” She says as she brushes her hands against her pants and stands up to go back in the house.

As the four frogs begin to jump away, one of them stops and turns to her and looks right at her and nods its head and gives one last croak before he joins the others.

Nita just looks right back at him and laughs a little and says, “Nah…he couldn’t have understood what I was saying.” Shaking her head she turns and heads back into the house.

#BlogBattle Week 13 – Rope: It Can Only Get Better

Posted on June 9, 2015 by Carrie Ann Alexis

Happy Tuesday!! Here’s my contribution to #BlogBattle.

#BlogBattle is a weekly short story challenge using a single word for inspiration. Hosted by Rachael Ritchey.

It Can Only Get Better

Kate enters her apartment with a stack of mail. She flips through the envelopes, letting them pile up on her desk to sort through later. But the last envelope gives her pause, “Discover Card?” she says to herself. “I don’t have a Discover Card,” literally talking to herself. She drops it on the pile with the others in exasperation. This time she cries to the heavens, “How much more? I’m at the end of my rope here…barley hanging on by a thread!!”

As she gets ready for work, she thinks to herself, my life wasn’t supposed to be this way. She fell in love, married young, started a family and was content to live her happily ever after. How was she to know that her Prince Charming was really just a frog, with a wandering eye, and a compulsion for spending? Oh, she knew…she saw the signs, but chose to ignore them. What she didn’t see coming was him up and leaving her, just walking away, leaving her, the kids and a huge amount of debt. She lets out a sigh, and says, “No time to dwell on the past, it has to get better.” She laughs to herself and thinks she really needs to stop talking to herself.

It was super busy in the restaurant, she has no idea how many people she served during her shift, smiling and making small talk, but it helps pass the time quickly. As she finishes up, she walks over to collect her tips, and several of the other servers are all crowded around her manager, Michelle, having a rather animated conversation. “What’s going on?” Kate asks as she approaches.

Michelle replies, “You might want to sit down for this.”

“Sit down for what?” She asks looking from Michelle to the other servers.

Michelle slowly says, “Someone left you a thousand dollar tip.”

“Yeah right.” Kate snickers.

“It’s true.” Michelle contends as she hands Kate the receipt. Next to the tip line, printed in neat handwriting she reads aloud, “Thank you. Keep smiling, it brightened my day.”

Whoops and squeals sound from the small group. Then the speculation begins of who could of left such a tip, and if it is indeed a secret admirer.

“It doesn’t matter who left it, I’m not looking for a man…I’m tired, and I’m going home. Good night ladies.” Kate says cheerfully as she leaves.

* ~ *

Edward’s sister calls to see if he wants to go out to dinner. “Sure, why not.” He replies. He disconnects the call and thinks to himself, it’s a Friday night, and I’m having dinner with my sister. This isn’t how his life was supposed to be. But he can’t blame anyone but himself. Why would his wife stick around when he was working all the time, and never home. Ha!! A beautiful home only afforded by his hard work and long hours. Once the kids were off to college, she decided to travel Europe, to find herself, to eat, pray and love…whatever that means. He shakes his head, as if to clear this unproductive introspection.

The evening is enjoyable with his sister; the food is delicious as always. What was especially intriguing to Edward was his server. She introduces herself as Kate. She has the most beautiful ocean blue eyes, that sparkle when she smiles. His sister engages her in small talk, finding out she has a son in college and a daughter heading there in the fall. Edward got the sense that she was the type of person that put everyone’s needs before her own. He notices no wedding ring.

At the end of the meal Edward insists on paying, even though this obviously offends his sister, but he doesn’t care. He waits in line to pay the check, and catches a glimpse of Kate, as she laughs and chats with the other servers. Not an impulsive guy by nature, when it’s his turn to pay his check, he fills in the tip section with a generous amount and adds a note. He realizes it’s been a long time since he has been attracted to a woman, and it really didn’t matter if anything came out of this. She deserves a nice surprise; besides, he knew what it took to put kids through college. It’s time he used his success for some good.

* ~ *

Sunday afternoon, Kate heads over to her friend’s house for a barbecue. There was no getting out of it, Tori doesn’t take no for an answer. She walks up to the beautiful house with the meticulous lawn, and heads towards the backyard where she can hear music playing. Tori spots her right away and rushes over and gives her a big hug, talking a mile a minute, “Kate!! So glad you could make it. Food is over there, drinks are over there. Lisa is here too, she is saving a spot for you at her table over there. I’ll catch up with you later, there’s someone I want to introduce you to.” Ugh, she’s playing matchmaker again.

The food is delicious, and Kate enjoys catching up with Lisa. Tori comes over, and grabs Kate by the arm. “Come with me, there’s someone I want you to meet.”

We walk up to a handsome man, who is dressed like he just stepped out of Tommy Bahama catalogue, looks to be a few years older than Kate. Tori says, “Edward Lewis this is Kate Foster, my dear friend I was telling you about.” She says to Kate, “Edward is good friends with the hubby. You two enjoy yourself, I need to check on the food.” She quickly disappears with a dramatic flourish of her hand and a “Ta-Ta.”

“Is it me, or do you feel like this was a complete set up?” Edward says conspiratorially.

“I agree totally. She feels it’s her duty…helping the single friend,” Kate admits with a laugh.

“Yes, I know what you mean, same here.” Trying to diminish the awkwardness Edward says, “Well…I was heading over to see their solarium, it’s actually roped off to the other guests, but Tori’s hubby told me to go check it out,” He smiles and shrugs his shoulders playfully saying, “What…I know a guy. Come join me.”

Laughing at his silly attempt to impress her, Kate says, “Sure, how could I possibly resist.”

As she turns to walk towards the solarium, he gently puts his hand on the small of her back to guide her through the crowd. She tries to hide the affect that simple gesture has on her.

Once in the solarium they find a bench, sit down and continue to talk. The conversation flows easily between them. Kate finds herself genuinely having a good time, it’s been so long since she has felt like this.

Edward interrupts her musings saying, “I have really enjoyed your company, Kate, I hope we can get together again. We can take it one day at a time, no expectations. I would much rather go out to dinner with you than my sister.” He quietly laughs.

“That sounds like something I’d be interested in,” she casually says as she flashes him one of her smiles.

He briefly closes his eyes and slightly shakes his head and says, “You are truly beautiful Kate, and that smile of yours, it just brightens my day.”

Her heart almost stops, barely getting the words out she says, “What did you just say?”

He looks at her intently, answering the question she didn’t ask, “Yes, Kate. Your smile brightens my day.” With a knowing smile, he gives her a wink as he takes her hand.

Happy Homemaker Monday 06/08

Posted on June 8, 2015 by Carrie Ann Alexis

Hope everyone is having some nice weather, and making plans for the summer. Can’t believe another week has gone by, but here’s what’s been going on, and what’s up ahead.

As always Linking-up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS:
Looks like a rainy week ahead. Today started out hot and sunny, and then out of no where we got hit with a storm, heavy downpours and hail. I do like a nice summer storm every once in awhile.

CURRENTLY READING/HAVE READ:
The Memory Thief by Emily Colin. Actually my mom found this one for me (she is the librarian) to read for the reading program. Haven’t started it yet, but it looks really good. The summary on the back describes Madeline losing her husband in an avalanche, the news is delivered to her by her husband’s best friend, who has been in love with her for years. She is left to raise her son, who has some kind of secret. Then across the country this guy wakes up from a motorcycle accident with his memory wiped clean. But he is haunted by dreams of a mysterious woman and a little boy, neither of whom he has ever met. Sounds really good!!

AS I LOOK OUTSIDE MY WINDOW:
This actually happened yesterday. I was finishing up the dishes, and I look outside the kitchen window, and there right in front of the garage was a furry creature. I was like “What the heck is that?” I’ve never seen anything like it before. It looked like a rabbit and a squirrel. We have had a lot of rabbits in our yard recently, but I’ve never seen a gopher before, and yep that is what is was. If you happened to read my Blogbattle Week 8 story, you’ll understand why I was a little bit freaked out, isn’t he cute though? (well…he looked just like this…this is a stock photo, lol).

ON THE TV:
Not much now that summer is here.

ON THE TO DO LIST:
Tomorrow is our last day of school. I’m finishing up report cards. Also on the last day of school I give the kids a candy bar with a customized wrapper, congratulating them on their next grade level promotion.

ON THE MENU THIS WEEK:
Cheesy Chicken Pasta
Chicken Parmigiana, Alfredo noodles, green beans, Italian bread
Need to shop and plan further

NEW RECIPE I TRIED OR WANT TO TRY THIS WEEK:
The Chicken & Rice Casserole was very good. Here is the recipe for that. It’s definitely a good meal for the winter, very hearty. But it worked well last week when we had some chilly days.

Chicken & Rice Casserole

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups cooked chicken, diced
2 cups cooked rice
2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
3/4 cup frozen peas, thawed
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, divided
kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400º F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons butter, then whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until smooth.
3. While whisking continuously, gradually pour in milk and chicken broth and stir until totally incorporated.
4. Add chicken, rice and veggies to the broth mixture and season with salt and pepper.
5. Transfer chicken and rice mixture to baking dish and sprinkle parmesan and breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
6. Cut up remaining butter into small pieces and dot those over the breadcrumbs.
7. Place baking dish in oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
8. Remove from oven and serve hot.

MY FAVORITE BLOG POST/VIDEO THIS WEEK:
Sunday morning as I was drinking my coffee and catching up on some of the bloggers I follow, I came across this. This made my day, I was laughing so hard reading it, too funny. Blondewritemore never fails to put a smile on my face when reading her posts, or completely draws me in with her story writing.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA:
I have posted this one before. But I am so proud of my daughter, she submitted some of her photography to our local Art Gallery, and this one was chosen for Concepts and Compositions, a national juried art show. This photo will be on display at the Art Gallery for several weeks, and there will be a reception towards the end of June. There are also prizes for each category represented in the exhibit, which includes painting and mixed media art as well as photography. (It is actually her in the photo). ♥

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES (PRAYERS OR DEVOTIONALS):

Flirtin’ with 50

Posted on June 6, 2015 by Carrie Ann Alexis

Today I turn 47. 😐 , fifty is right around the corner. So I thought I would have some fun with it. I of course researched my birth date as well as the number 47, here is what I found.

17,166 days have passed since the day I was born or 2452.3 weeks

351,000 babies were born on that day.

If I had never cut my hair since the day I was born, it would be almost 20 feet long (6.01 meters long)

Cost of Living in 1968
Average Monthly Rent $130.00
Gas per gallon: .34 cents
Cost of new car: $2,822.00
Movie Ticket: $1.50

Number one Song: “Mrs. Robinson” by Simon & Garfunkel
Number one Movie: 2001: A Space Odyssey

I found a website for The 47 Society. It is a society that is dedicated to exploring the phenomenon that is 47. It is the quintessential random number, meaning when a number is picked at random, more often than not the number will be 47.

Here are some random 47 facts:

• The length of a pit stop service area in the Indianapolis Speedway is 47 feet long.

• Americans eat an average of 47 pounds of chicken a year.

• In Monsters, Inc., the factory floor went 47 days without incident before a monster came back with a kid’s sock on his fur.

• Babe Ruth’s career home run record of 714 home runs stood for 47 years until Hank Aaron broke it; the last day Ruth’s record stood was 4/7/74.

I have also found that I am a Quadragenarian. Here are how a few things have evolved in my lifetime so far.

Clothing
We’ve gone from Bell Bottoms to Skinny Jeans