Reading...

I love reading but life always seems to get in the way. So about two weeks ago I made a choice to sit down with a book: The Help I had started a month prior as soon as I got home and kaboom it was finished in two days. This book gave me insight into some things I didn't realize occurred but all reminded me of why I never agreed with segregation.

Then I read The Glory of Green I had read Judy Christie's first two in the series and was anxious to get my hands on the third one.Her books are easy to read and provide morals an adventure.

The I took the dust of a book I bought awhile back. My Lucky Life in and Out of Show Business. I totally fell in love with Dick Van Dyke all over again and learned some new things about him that surprised and comforted me. It is a great read for anyone.

I am now onto James Patterson's 7th Heaven. I am only part way into the book and had to give it some time to dry out since my water bottle decided to leak in my bag and wash the book... But onto another adventure. I have been to 4 different places in 2 weeks and not paid a dime! Love it!

Crock-pot Recipes

So Mac & Cheese was a big hit but can't be cooked while at work or it will dry out. The Lasagna was to mushy so I had to bake two times to get a firmer consistency.

I also have cooked some recipes too that we have always enjoyed. Italian Cream Chicken w/ Mushrooms and MC CORMICK'S SLOW COOKERS ITALIAN HERB CHICKEN.

Day 1:

I am by know means a writer but it amazes me how much I learn from others  who share their stories and  they inspire me to get up and shuffle another way. Routine can get too bland and cause you to forget about all that is out there. It is time for change... even if that means taking the dog on an extra walk.

For instance this past week I decided that being tired after a long day is no excuse to eat out. The Crock Pot Girls inspired me to dig through my cabinets, cookbooks, and their webpage to make home cooked meals with little effort. So far all meals have been a hit. We started with two steaks cut up and cooking it with cream of mushroom soup, dry onion soup mix, and 1 cup of water on low for 7 hours. Then all I had to do when I got home was make mashed potatoes and salad. Today we are having homemade Mac and Cheese. I have learned this recipe takes a lot less time and it is something I will have to cook while home so it doesn't dry out or burn.

Over the summer I planted bell peppers and tomatoes for the first time on my balcony. It had its ups and downs. I have learned to start sooner and plant more then one plant per vegetable. Also, I will be going to a nursery instead of Home Depot as well; I want quality plants. I also want to grow jalapeno and chilli peppers too; love some kick to my food. I have some tomatoes trying to sneak their way in before the season ends so we will see if I have more then three. The pleasure I got out of seeing them grow and smelling them when I picked them was so breath taking. It took me back to the gardens and farms in Maine and the joy of picking fresh produce every year. Even the first year I moved away I would drive home 3 plus hours to just get produce. Just reminds me that we all need to stop and go back to the simple things in life.

The beginning of the tomato plant

The one and only Bell Pepper

The squirrels thought they could have a tasting session.

I hope the new things I try will bring you inspiration to shuffle a different way every so often.