Thursday, November 15, 2012

A LITTLE OF THIS AND THAT


His tests went well but he has to have surgery some time after Thanksgiving.  I can't really go into any more detail out of respect for him...it's him, not me.  Heaven knows if it were me I'd be posting away in a morphine induced fog!  But I will certainly let you know how he does.

When I was  at the grocery store I picked up everything I needed for Thanksgiving except for the turkey (I like to wait and get the best price from all the stores I shop at), and my veggies which I like fresh.  I was thinking of making roasted sweet potatoes as a side dish.  Does anyone know how to make these or have a recipe (no marshmallows please)?  I usually just peel and boil them and then pour hot butter and brown sugar over, but I'd like to try something different.  If you have a good recipe and don't mind, can you email me it?

I also found this cupcake mix at the store.  Doesn't it sound delicious?  I don't usually use mixes unless I'm in a hurry but I couldn't pass this up and I'm sure everyone will love them.  I'll be sure to share with you (pictures and my opinion, not a real cupcake).

Well, I have four little projects to take care of today.  If you follow Marty and Kathy, you will see that they did a super duper job organizing their bathroom vanity cabinets.  So I'm going to tackle that, my vanity, the top of The Husbands armoire and my kitchen junk drawer.  Everyone has a kitchen junk drawer, don't they?  Maybe I'll take before and afters, it might just make you fall off your chair!

Have a good rest of the week everyone.  I'm partying with Claudia over at Mockingbird Hill Cottage for her Favorite Things Party.  Join in, it's fun! :)

71 comments:

Anonymous said...

We have a junk drawer for sure ~ otherwise, what do you do with all that little junk? Those cupcakes do look yummy and your shepherds pie is really making me hungry ~ it's almost dinner time here. Please know that your posts are never boring. I enjoy hearing about the little things as well as the bigger ones! I hope everything goes well with The Husband!!

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

I can see why that's your favorite chair, such a cozy spot! Keeping the hubby in my prayers for a quick and easy recovery! Wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving Jane!!

Deborah said...

Its always such a pleasure catching up with you Jane!
Hoe your hunny is okay and I had to laugh at your shanannigans in the Drs office! You are so cute and too funny! ;)
Thats right ...your Thanksgiving is right around the corner...ours is past..heading straight on into the holiday spirit.lol
I love curling up with a good read too...and your chair looks like a comfy spot.
The shepherds pie looks delish! Yum and you turned that day into something fun. Good for you!
Well sweetie, talk to you soon.
Hugs to you my friend xoxo

Deborah xoxo

Sunflowers With Smiles said...

Your dinner looked awesome. Hopin your husband will feel better and have a quick recovery. Have a wonderful weekend.

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage said...

You cracked me up talking about if you were the one getting surgery, you'd be blogging in a morphine induced fog. Lol!
I will pray that everything goes smoothly with your husband.
Have a happy weekend!!

Susan Shull said...

Yummy! Shepherd's Pie!

Julie Marie said...

Hi Jane, first off, I am sending good thoughts to your hubby for his surgery!... sorry you had to wait for three hours, but you must have heard some pretty juicy gossip from that cell phone call!... I tend to give dirty looks to people who talk on their cell phones in doctors offices... drives me crazy!... love your brown boots!... for my sweet potatoes, I bake them for two hours, then cut them in pieces, put them in a casserole dish, cover them with brown sugar (DARK brown sugar, not the light, so much better!), add a titch of water, cover them, and bake another half hour... everyone loves them!... hate marshmallows and pineapple on them... your flowers are just beautiful, maybe they can spend the winter at home and summer at the lake?... xoxo Julie Marie PS Aren't hot flashes the worst when the heat is turned up!!!

Julie Marie said...

PS Love, love love your cozy chair!!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Jane! I could spend some time in your pretty chair. I wish your husband well on his upcoming surgery. You're way ahead of me for Thanksgiving. I haven't even gone to the grocery store yet and we have company coming.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Barbara F. said...

I hope all goes well for your husband. I can understand his wanting to keep some things private. I can barely do a post per week. If I could just yak it would be so easy, then I would have two posts a day! I went to lunch with a friend a few weeks ago and we ate a pub and I also ordered the shepherd's pie. True comfort food. xo

Divine Theatre said...

Jane,
First, let me say your husband is in my prayers!
I have been to that restaurant a few times as well! I could eat there every single day!
Have a lovely holiday.
xo

Andie

Lynn said...

Your cozy chair looks like a great way to spend the afternoon Jane! The flowers are beautiful! Have a great Thanksgiving Week:@)

20 North Ora said...

Love your warm and cozy chair. Can't believe you still have some beautiful flowers. All of your food sounds wonderful. That cupcake mix looks great. Will try it. Your husband will be in my prayers as he approaches surgery.

Have a Great Thanksgiving.

Judy

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Jane,
I love that pretty white chair and the little table beside it is so cute. Love the way you have it decorated too.
You crack me up about the waiting room observations. I thought I was the only one that really liked peering over my magazine and watching people! LOL!

I gotta get going on the Thanksgiving Dinner thing too. We hate the cooktop and oven in this house but our new one won't arrive until after the holiday. Oh well, we might be having burned turkey!

hugs
Sissie

Gina said...

Wow, I can't believe you still have flowers blooming so beautifully!

Sending good thoughts that all goes well with your husband's surgery.

NanaDiana said...

Jane- I always roast my sweet potatoes except when I make the Thanksgiving ones with marshmallows for the kids. You simply scrub them- cut the "ends" off and poke a couple of times with a fork and bake just like you would a baked potato. They are delicious.

I hope everything goes well with your hubby. My own had some surgery almost 3 years ago and was very private about it, too. Blessings-xo Diana

Donna said...

Sorry to hear about your hubby's surgery! Hope it all goes well!

Debby said...

Hope things go well for your husband.
I always like to read your posts, it' like sitting down sharing coffee.

Anonymous said...

what a cozy corner you made your nest in this weekend, I hope everything goes well for your husband, the sheperds pie looks amazing!! Good luck with the cleaning, oh yes and I love the boots!

Lori said...

I thought it was mandatory to have a junk drawer in the kitchen ~ where on earth would you keep things like string and thumbtacks let alone birthday candles and the scotch tape! Love how you described your week-end ~ cat days are good days indeed. My MIL made a sweet potato recipe one year that had orange juice in it ~ I was not a fan so I won't pass it along.
I will keep your hubby in my thoughts and prayers. xo

Olive said...

I could cozy up in that chair and read for quite a while Jane. I pray your husband will do just fine with his surgery. I could not wait three hours in a waiting room so you are very very patient. xo, olive

Susie said...

Blondie, How wonderful that after sitting and waiting soooo long, you got to enjoy your husband's company with a great meal. I pray for your sweetie to have a fast recovery. I love reading your posts. xoxo, Susie

Sonny G said...

that chair does look mighty cozy.
keeping a good thought for your hubs surgery.
that shepards pie looks delish, thats what I would have had too.

I had several junk drawers and ended up pulling on one so hard everything in it flew across the room. I was so mad I grabbed a trash bag - tossed it all in and threw it away.. 2 more junk drawers to go.lol

An Oasis in the Desert said...

That chair looks so cozy and comfy, Jane. I can see why it's your favorite spot. Glad to hear you got a good rest and relaxing week. Sometimes we just need that, but often don't allow ourselves to have it.

I'm off the hook this year for Thanksgiving. Our son and DIL are hosting. I love doing all the big festive family get togethers here, but it has given me the golden opportunity to go ahead and start my Christmas decorating. I know you probably don't want to hear that, right? lol! I really am taking my time, since I have it, and I find I'm really enjoying the whole process. Today was a bit tiring -- up and down the ladder a gazillion times, so I'm sure I'll be a bit sore tomorrow.

I hope everything goes well with your hubby. I don't know about yours, but my hubs just doesn't grasp the whole "bonding" thing that we have here in blogland. I guess it is pretty amazing when you think about it and so much fun.

Hope you have a great weekend, Jane!

Carol

Low Tide High Style said...

Ok, where did you get those boots?!

I hope your husband's tests went well, and that his surgery will go off without a hitch. If you need to chat you know I'm here!

And I didn't know that junk drawers had to be confined to the kitchen...I have one in nearly every room...yikes!

xo Kat

Brenda Pruitt said...

My, that box of chocolate speaks to me!
Brenda

Teresa@1800 Farmhouse Rd said...

Alrighty, I LOVE the boots in the pic! That is your skinny leg isn't it? Care to share the name of the boots and where they came from?? I will send you some candy :)

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

You comfy chair is beautiful. And boy did we have the rain, eh?
I will be praying for a full recovery for your husband.

Happy Thanksgiving next week.

Fondly,
Glenda

Jen Beaudet said...

Love that comfy chair! The shepherd's pie sounds so yummy! I always make the sweet potatoes and it's super easy. Fresh sweet potatoes (quartered? I don't peel them) put in a glass baking dish with lots of real butter and brown sugar sprinkled on top (to taste). Cover tightly with foil Bake on 325 for about 40 minutes(?) You can tell when it's done because it bubbles and smells so good. Everyone loves them! Best wishes to your husband and his surgery. Happy Thanksgiving! ps I'm working on a fisherman in a similar scene and larger:)

Jo said...

That comfy seat looks awfully inviting! Love your boots ~ I've been looking for a new brown pair and can't find anything I really like. Hope everything will work out well with your husband, thoughts and prayers for him!

Jo

Sweet Posy Dreams said...

Best of luck to your husband.

Couldn't help but notice your boots -- looks like they weren't made for walking that day, but for waiting! I never mind waiting either if I have a book or some crocheting. My only gripe is that so many waiting rooms have loud TVs now. That I can do without.

Melanie said...

Are those your gorgeous leather boots in the one photo? Love them! I can't find any tall boots to fit my extremely muscular (big!) calves. :-(

Don't know how exciting you want your sweet potatoes to be, but when I roast them, I simply cube them & toss with olive oil, salt, & a little pepper - then roast on high heat (450). Speaking of food, that Shepherd's Pie looks fantastic.

Marty and ??? (shoot, I've already forgotten)...have never heard of them. Will have to take a peek!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! Hope all will be well with your hubby.

Hugs,
Melanie

Sonia said...

I love those kind of weekends...but then like you I switch into hyper-mode to get things done. Your reading chair looks so cozy and comfy! Hope and pray your hubbie's surgery will be easy and the recovery quick! Enjoy your weekend!

Miss Bloomers

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

oh..darn..now you have me all inspired to do some real cleaning. (wonder where I can find someone to do it for me! ) :)
Hugs!

Sarah said...

Jane, you are patient waiting 3 hours. ;-)
Sounds like a long day in the city with a delicious ending. Hope all goes well for your husband. ~ Sarah

RURAL said...

Hot chocolate cupcakes, oh divine....sigh.

Hope that your husband is OK, and everything goes smoothly.

Sounds like you have had a busy week, did I mention that I love your chair?

Jen

Linda said...

I love catching up with you!! Your posts are like sitting down and having a little chat!

I cleaned my junk drawer out just this very morning!!

My Little Home and Garden said...

I hope everything goes well for your husband. As for the comfy chair, it looks about perfect to me!

Marigene said...

Your hibiscus are gorgeous...I didn't think they would grow inside...will be trying them next year.

Best wishes to your hubby that everything goes smoothly.

Here is one of our favorite sweet potato recipes, if you like spicy!

Sweet Potato Gratin with Smoked Chiles
Serves 8-10

1 quart heavy cream
1 canned chipotle pepper...1 pepper, not the whole can!
6 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 350°
Finely mince chipotle pepper and mix with the cream.
Arrange a quarter of the sliced potatoes, season to taste with salt/pepper; pour a quarter (1 cup) of the cream/minced chipotles over the potatoes. Repeat forming 4 layers.
Bake 1 hour, or until cream has been absorbed and the potatoes have browned a little.

The Summer Kitchen Girls said...

Hi Jane!! Love your boots...you looked very fashionable waiting :) I hate waiting in the lobby of hospitals...ugh! I usually bring a book to stick my nose in! Can't believe that Thanksgiving will be here next week...can't wait though...oh-so yummy! We have a sweet potato recipe...it puts marshmallows to SHAME I tell you....so sweet, you'll think you've moved onto dessert :) Don't know if that's what you're looking for....but if you want it, let us know and we'll send it on over!
Enjoy your weekend Jane!!

Stacey said...

You've been busy. Your day in the chair sounds pretty good to me. I've been terribly lazy lately in spite of all that needs to be done this time of year. Your evening in Chicago sounds fun. We sure enjoyed making all of our visits there.

Diane Mars said...

Darling boots and I love the chair! Heres to positive thoughts being sent your way... hubby will be fine! Hugs, Diane

Maria Elena said...

Jane, just wanted to stop by and thank you so much for always taking the time to visit me. It is always a pleasure to read your sweet comments. I also just became a follower of your blog and, I apologize for not doing it sooner, but I thought I had! :) I pray all goes well with your husband and I wish you guys a great weekend and a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

Jane,
Always love reading what you are up to:) Yes...I have a junk drawer...how does anyone not have one? Well, I bet I know a few gals that just might not have one. Hope you have a wonderful holiday with your family next week.

Blessings,
Linda

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

Hi Jane! :-)

Hope to hear good news on the Hubster... I sure understand about the privacy thing, so I really won't ask what's up.... Oh, Spencer, you are a nosy girlie.

Oh what heaven it must have been to get to kick back and relax for a whole weekend. I would LOVE to do that... but I don't wish for it anymore. About ten years ago I complained alllllllll the time that I never had time to just sit and rest and then I broke my leg and had MORE than enough time to just sit around. I HATED it then.

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving... :-) Our family is so small....only FOUR of us and I'm thinking of going out to dinner. I hate to think that somebody has to work on a holiday, but maybe they'll be happy to be making some extra money. ??? It takes all day to get that big 'ol dinner on the table and it takes about 30 minutes to be finished with the whole shabang. Dinner out is sounding better and better.

xoxoxo
Spencer

Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings... said...

Well sweetie...
Love your chair, and your relaxing methods...
Praying all is well with your love.
xo.

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

I do the same thing with my sweet potatoes.

The mix looks awesome! let us know if it's really that good! ....I don't think I've seen it around here yet, but I'll look.

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

My oldest son was rummaging around in our junk drawer this evening looking for all sorts of things as he was restringing his guitar. We've had a 3-day weekend and for the first two days, I basically did very little, mostly sat in my favorite spot in our tv room, crocheting and blogging -- only went out to walk with my husband. Today I did some running around with a friend. I love sweet potatoes -- all I do is chop them up, drizzle them with olive oil and cover with foil to bake. they are delicious without anything extra added. Sending healing wishes to your husband. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Tammy

Ashley ~ said...

For starters let me say that I will certainly put your husband on my prayer list and hopefully be getting good reports from his surgery after Thanksgiving! I also want to wish you and your family a very blessed Thanksgiving!

((Hugs))

-Ashley

Claudia said...

Sounds like you had a busy week. I am not always patient in waiting rooms but I am a people watcher and I like to try to figure out each person's 'story.' Your Thanksgiving meal sounds yummy!

Thanks so much for joining in this week!

xo
Claudia

Leslie said...

I hope that your husband is ok and has a speedy recovery!!!
I love your white furniture.. it is so inviting!
Sorry about the long wait in Chicago ~ atleast you were about to end the day with a nice dinner date!
Have a great week and a wonderful thanksgiving.

bj said...

Much luck to you Honey..and a speedy recovery after surgery.
I just love reading your posts, Blondie. It's like sitting at the table having coffee and yakking together. You are such a great writer.
Now, if you do a BEFORE and an AFTER of your kitchen junk drawer, I will, too. But...we have to post them on the same day....and we can get others to post on that same day about THEIR junk drawer. :)))

Maggie said...

Hi Jane,
just spent 5 lovely minutes catching up with what you've been doing this week. I love your blog style, so chatty and friendly. Just like sitting down in a friends kitchen with a cup of tea & a chat!
Hope you're having a wonderful weekend.
Maggie

Lori E said...

For someone who thinks she bores us with her everyday life you manged to get 54 comments on your post, lol.
It is like checking in with a good friend when we come here.
We yack and we laugh and we know exactly what you are talking about. What you do is attainable for most and that is very enjoyable. Sometimes the blogs we view are so out of reach for the everyday person it is nice to relax with our Jane.

Anonymous said...

sounds like a perfect day - my kind of day pretending to me a cat who likes to read.

cool boots.

Decor To Adore said...

Oh those boots are made for walking...right into my closet. :)

Happy Thanksgiving my friend!

White Ironstone Cottage said...

Hi Sweet Jane
We bake our sweet potatoes in the skin just make a slice and add a pat of butter and brown sugar wrap in foil and bake for 45 minutes at 350
then each person gets their own sweet potato
Have a wonderful and Blessed Thanksgiving
xxoo
Pam

Karen said...

That sounds like a great way to spend the weekend. I hope all goes well with your hubby's surgery.

Anonymous said...

Happy Thanksgiving, Janie! :)
Be a sweetie,
Shelia :)

Valerie@chateaualamode.typepad.com said...

Oh geesh I seriously just sent you an email saying I couldn't find this and then this popped up. Good Grief!!!! I told you it was probably me!

All this to say I loved your post.

xoxo
Valerie

Anonymous said...

LOVE your fav reading chair, Jane! You've been so busy!!! Hope your Thansgiving is wonderful!
Hugs,
Zuzu

Debbiedoos said...

Hi Jane...I am glad you are back too. I love that big comfy chair too. We are actually in the market for a new one..but my husband was a rustic leather one. Considering he will be the one to sit and relax in it, I will compromise:) Happy Thanksgiving.

Lee said...

I shall keep your family in my prayers.
Lisa
Leeshideaway.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Jane,
That restaurant really does look cozy and I love Shepherds pie. I didn't realize that you lived so close to the city. I am about thirty minutes outside of Boston and I love that I can be in the city if I want to, or be in the burbs.

Wishing you a beautiful Thanksgiving.

Karen

June said...

Can I sit here in your favorite chair while we chat Jane? I can see why you love it!!!!
You must be a patient person if you can stand to wait 3 hours at the doctor.
Oh I really don't like hearing other people's conversations on their cells either. I always feel like I'm the one doing something wrong : )so funny.
You just gave me a great idea for supper---shepherds pie--now that does sound good!

I hope you and your darling family have a Happy Thanksgiving!!!
sending hugs from me...

Elaine said...

My best to your husband, hope his surgery goes well. You are so funny! Listening to a woman's cell phone conversation, I listen in at coffee shops when I am sitting by myself.

Sounds like a great weekend, doing nothing like a cat! I marvel at my cats, they can be sooo lazy!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

chateau chic said...

Sounds like you have a lot going on. Trust your husband's surgery goes well without complications. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Mary Alice

Kelly said...

I'm so sorry to hear that your husband will have to have surgery soon. I wish him well with that! Sounds like you're very busy this time of year with everyone home and Thanksgiving dinner to be prepared. I hope you will have the chance to slow down and rest afterwards.

Lynn Wood said...

I had to smile at your comments about being "cat-like"! My best wishes that everything goes well with your husband. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!


~Lynn

Beki - TheRustedChain said...

Love that cozy chair.
Good luck to your hubby!

Bring Pretty Back said...

Jane - what a great post with so much "coziness!"
Have a pretty day!
Kristin