Beloved Curves

My beloved Curves has closed. But, I have been able to join another one just a bit further away. I think it will be fine. They have some lights in the shape of a flower in the front window and at least one purple wall. Plus our stretching station was sold to them. I can feel such a difference in my lower back since I've been using it, it's almost like a little back adjustment every time! Several ladies I work out with are moving over there, too, so it will soon feel like home. The only possible downside is that you can smell the pizza from the pizza place next door ... however ... change can be good.

Eating Out of the Pantry

Every once in a while I notice that the pantry and freezer are exceptionally full, and decide it's time to eat that food up! So, I found some Salisbury steaks in the freezer and made a new recipe for homemade macaroni and cheese. The recipe came from a gal I work out with at Curves. It's packed with protein and has a bit of a tang to it ... it was good. It fed the four of us, plus had enough leftovers for three lunches.

Alice's Macaroni and Cheese 2 cups macaroni, cooked and drained. 2 cups cottage cheese. 1 cup sour cream. 1 egg. 1/4 cup chopped onion. 3/4 tsp. salt. pepper. 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (plus a little extra to sprinkle on top). Mix it all together in a big bowel. Pour into a greased 9x13 inch pan. Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top. You can add bread crumbs to the top if you want, I didn't this time. Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes. Yum!

Sweet Memories

Today I went to our Lutheran Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing lunch reunion and saw some classmates of mine that I don't think I've seen in over 30 years. There were some very old nurses there, too, some that had graduated 70 years ago ... can you believe that? We drank coffee and sang some hymns (of course), and talked about why we had decided to go into nursing in the first place, so many years ago. This picture is of friends that I worked with when Lutheran Deaconess Hospital was still around. Sadly, the building was torn down in the 1990's.

Wordless Wednesday

Easy to Forget Sometimes

I was tired last night and went to sleep early, well, early for me. When I woke this morning, I realized I had forgotten a couple of things to do last night ... the biggest thing was to prepare for the monthly health education I was to present to the clients at work this morning! Luckily it was early when I woke, and luckily I happened to already have a video I could use with my inservice. I was able to print some reading material off the internet, so all was well. Once more, I was grateful for the convenience of the world wide web. Anybody else remember having to use encyclopedias for their research? I had also forgotten to cover the bird cage for the night, and those birds are loud little things! I really need to figure out a better way to stay on track these days.

Black Squirrel

We went up north this past weekend to put the dock in at the lake. It wasn't a very nice weekend weather-wise, being cold and wet, but the job got done. Much to my amazement, though, I saw two black squirrels hopping through the yard. At the risk of sounding like a dork, I'm going to say that the moment was almost magical, and I kept wondering why I had never seen one before. I hope they come back!

My Space

I've been a bit frustrated in that I have no space to call my own, and so I made an executive decision to move a desk up into Katie's unused room. The papers coming into this house have had no specific place to land and so end up all over our bedroom or kitchen. Bills are getting misplaced, my mind is going nuts, and I think I should have done this a long time ago. Now that I have a flat surface to work with, I even had a thought that I could try my hand at scrap booking! Amazing how one little change can help.

Wordless Wednesday

Oops

It started when one brother bought the other brother some special tea, just to be nice. The receiving brother decided to make some tea, but turned on the wrong burner to heat up the teapot, and then sort of forgot about the plastic microwave plate cover that just happened to be resting on the stove ... it didn't take long for the plastic to melt, as I had only stepped into the garage for a moment and when I returned, the kitchen was filled with a haze of melted plastic fumes.

It was a frantic time of scurrying to rescue the birds to the fresh air of the porch (a bird's lungs are sensitive to fumes), remove the melting plastic, open windows and doors, and turn on some fans to get the air moving out of the house.

Wow.

New Addition to the Family

Nick and his friend found a baby turtle as they were walking around the park the other day. She's pretty tiny, less than the size of a quarter, I would guess. How do I know if it's a she? I don't really, but Nick has decided she is a girl. Something about the size of her tail and contour of her tummy. Anyway, she's cute and seems to be surviving so far. She has a pretty nice new home, complete with a basking rock and frozen blood worms to feast on. And I think it's kind of sweet that Nick is into nurturing her.

National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day

I never knew there was such a thing, but I guess it's true. And since we love grilled cheese sandwiches, I'm thinking that's what we'll have for supper tonight. It's fun to celebrate the little things. I'll make some cream of tomato soup to dip our grilled cheese sandwiches in and it will be extra special. And we'll feel cool because we're in the know. :-)

Wordless Wednesday

Long Day

It's been a long day of driving people places. I like to help out when I can, but it can wear a person out. Today included driving new places during rush hour, and I decided that I prefer to stick around familiar territory. I hope that doesn't mean I'm getting old or anything, but whatever it means, I was very happy to drive into my own garage. No place like home, I guess.

Popcorn Salad

We celebrated Dad's 83rd birthday last night with pizza and ice cream cake. I also experimented on the family, and made a Popcorn Salad, which sounds weird, but it was delicious! The whole family was able to be there and towards the end of the evening, things got silly and people started a burping contest. Grandma won.

Here's the recipe for the Popcorn Salad

10 slices bacon

1 cup mayonnaise
1 Tbsp. cider vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
1/8 tsp. garlic powder
1/8 tsp. pepper

2 cups diced celery
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1 (8 ounce) can sliced water chestnuts, drained
1 cup shredded carrots
1 bunch green onions, chopped
6 cups popped popcorn (they say Old Dutch brand is best, as it holds it's shape better with the dressing)

Fry up the bacon until evenly brown. Drain, crumble, and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, celery, cheese, water chestnuts, bacon, carrots, green onion, sugar, vinegar, and spices. Mix well. Add popcorn and stir to coat. Serve immediately. Yum!

The Boy is Coming Home

The week has gotten away from me! Jake comes home tonight from his orchestra tour to Europe, and according to Mom, it's time. I've missed his sunny disposition and ambitious ideas. :) I know he will probably hate me for posting this picture, but a Mom has some rights ... I "borrowed" this picture from the blog they've been posting from the trip. Wonder if his recent ball room dancing lessons were helpful?

Wordless Wednesday

Monday in Minnesota

I'm missing my boy while he's away on his trip, but I'm thankful to be able to follow along via computer. :-) I've never been abroad myself, so trying to imagine things is a bit tricky. I'm also not exactly visual in my head, so doubly tricky. Today they depart through the Czech countryside to Český Krumlov, a town located in southern Bohemia of the Czech Republic. Such a life that boy leads! I found a map to look at, and that helps a little.

My day? Work, exercise, and pay a few bills. It's Monday in Minnesota.