Monday, October 20, 2014

GOODBYE SUMMER


I made a trip to Hobby Lobby and Michael's Thursday (and totally forgot which street each one was on so it took me 45 minutes instead of 15).  I had come across a craft on a blog and I got so excited about  making it that I nearly peed myself!  Well, it's a Christmas craft and I'm still working on it...maybe I'll give you a peek in my next post. :)

This (above), my friends, is Hungarian Goulash and you can find the recipe here.  This is one of our favorite comfort food meals here and I was even heating up bowls for the boys when they'd stop by (the key is to not tell them the name).  I think I gave you the recipe last year, it's a stew that has a little kick of nutmeg, allspice and cloves that just takes it out of this world.  Tyler Florence does not add these spices, but I do.  And this recipe makes a lot of goulash so you'll want a good heaping tablespoon of these things.  Also, he used potatoes for starch, I used egg noodles.  Play with it.  Yum! :)



Sunday dawned sunny, the lake sending up a mist into the cool air.  The front lawn looked so pretty I didn't even want to rake! 













If you've ever met Carol from Art And Sand, you will know that nothing matches her creativity and love of art and color other than her big heart.  She made these banners and we all fell in love with them.  So she had a giveaway and we could choose what we wanted her to spell out.  I was a winner!!  Thank you so much, Carol!  Pay her a visit...she has a wonderful blog. :)



I have so many websites that I love to shop at and I love to share the wonderful things I find that I think are really unique.  One of my favorite places to go to when I'm planning a casual party, especially one outdoors, is Smarty Had A Party.  I bought some of their disposable dishes, napkins and serve-ware for a party at the lake a few years ago and I never received so many compliments. If you don't want to use good dishes, or even your melamine, these products will take your event up a notch and people will be loving you for your good taste! Below you will see the bamboo forks and knives I used for a backyard barbeque this past summer.  And I keep these on hand for Abby to bring in her lunch at work (she gets the compliments, too).  I was really, really surprised the other day when a box arrived in the mail and these cute disposable Leafware dishes were inside.  Made from fallen palm leaves, they are just perfect rustic goodness for this time of year.  Can you imagine a fall bonfire  with S'mores piled high on these?  Maybe to serve your goodies on at a tailgate party?  And you know what?  I've only mentioned this website because I really like it, I've never been asked to promote it.  And this was their "thank you".  A big thank you back at ya!!









Tomorrow I have a very early appointment to get my stitches out.  Normally this wouldn't bother me much except my hand took a turn for the worse and my incisions are infected.  This started happening Friday so there wasn't very much I could do.  I talked to my surgeon's nurse and since I don't have a fever or oozing, I'm good until tomorrow.  I am such a baby...I'm praying this can be taken care of without the need for a sharp needle or stiff brush.  My hand is so sore as it is, I can't bear the thought of anyone coming near it.  And today I also scheduled my next surgery for November 10th.  Gulp.  To add injury to insult, this surgery will be on my left hand and yes, you guessed it, I'm left handed!  I guess things are going to get worse before they get better.

I have some good days ahead of me, a few things that are very hush hush (!), but I will be back this weekend filling you in! :)

Jane xxx 

48 comments:

Elaine said...

Nice post. I agree with you. The lawn is so pretty with leaves strewn across it. Too pretty to rake yet.

Love your dog photos. They are so cute. That wool throw is going to the dogs so to speak. I think they will take more naps under it than you will.

Good luck with your stitches.

PS. I am a fellow lefty!

Debby said...

You poor thing. You may want to wait a bit for the next surgery. How did it get infected. You weren't using it. Maybe you heal slowly.
It has been a beautiful fall for sure. Getting cold here too.
Hmmmmm, what are you up to?????

Linda said...

Hi Jane.....
I always enjoy my read over here♥️
I am the same at the cottage....
What is bought for the cottage...stays at the cottage!
Except...like you....a few favorite crochet throws....:o)
Hope the stitches are ok....
Waiting for your hush-hush!
Enjoy your week....
Cheers!
Linda :o)

Primitive Stars said...

EveningJane, enjoy my visits with you. Love the Fall look of leaves sprinkled across the lawns. Cute acorn salt and pepper I spy. Hope all goes well with the stitches,Blessings Francine.

Linda said...

Will be thinking of you tomorrow.....
love your burger and beer day!! Think about all those good memeories during your appointment!
Yeah, you're right. That won't happen while you're getting fixed up!!

Anonymous said...

aww, I'm so sorry you're hurting, thats nasty,,, I hope the stitches come out as quick as a wink!The banner is lovely, I will go visit her for sure,!

cathy@my1929charmer said...

One of the great things about fall is watching the leaves flutter down. It's been a beautiful fall and I am enjoying it so. I sure hope you hand get better soon..you sure you want to do the second surgery so soon with this one infected? I like you new stove...cook away!

Lynne said...

Jane!
Hello!
I was hoping that Emily and Mike were still in Seattle yesterday(Sunday)!
It was 70 degrees and a perfect PNW Fall day! I thought about them as Chrislyn,Jason, Holland, Ben and I navigated "Zoo Boo!" at Point Defiance Park!

Our Summer and Fall have been amazing.
My annuals are still hardy and blooming. I won't plant many Mums this year. I'll go straight to Kale and Winter pansies.

I am sorry to hear about your stitches becoming infected. You will feel so much better when they are out. Could it be an allergic reaction?

As always, you are in my thoughts and prayers!
~Lynne
w/L.





Row homes and Cobblestones said...

Hi Jane,
I always look forward to your posts! One of the things I love the most about living in an area of the country with 4 distinct seasons is the appreciation you have for nature and the excitement when a seasons flirts with the soon to be beauty of change.

Cute doggie photo. Love your skates, yes how Pottery Barn your home will be with an unexpected über cool accent. How about tying jingle bells that the laces ends?

Jane that's one fine looking stove. Love the knobs, yeah I like knobs and dials, handles and LED lights!

I also adore Carol from Art and Sand, very creative and has a big heart.

Oh Jane I am so sorry your hand is infected. You have been such a trooper with the surgery and now this. Sending air kisses to your hand.
XOXO,
Vera

An Oasis in the Desert said...

While you are closing up shop for the winter, we are busy planting and pulling the patio furniture out of storage. Our nice weather doesn't mean I am not looking forward to bit cooler days when I can wear a sweater & my boots! That usually happens by Halloween.

So sorry you are having trouble with your hand. Keeping you in my prayers and sending tons of positive thoughts!

Bluebird49 said...

Oh Sweetie-pie--I'm so sorry about your hand! That's the most important thing. And again---so many neat things in your post. Firstly, (Oops, it's really "secondly", after the hand, isn't it!), taunting us about a new craft you're secretly working on and making us wait---now that's mean! ;)
I love that new stove! How could anything turn out "bad" on such a neat thing? I could almost smell the stew simmering away.

"Precious pup in wooly throws" pics--always wanted! The banner win--how fortunate! Now I want to make one and as always, your "lake posts" are fun. The "flower-tossing" was sad, but you'll grow more--and planning that is always fun.
Isn't it always the best when our hubbies say,
"Forget about the cooking, dear."

Oh--did you get my recent e-mail? I didn't send as a "reply" to our preceding "oops" ones, it's in my "sent folder"-but it still could be somewhere in "Internet Outer Space"! lol
I know you have been busy--so no worries, just wanted to make sure I didn't mess up somehow again!
I'm praying for a very easy doctor's visit for you and your hand tomorrow, kiddo.
xoxo, Trudy

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

Great post Jane. Sorry about your hand. It will feel better after you get the stitches out.
Your recipe sounds wonderful - will give a try.
I know all that rain is depressing, but oh how we could use some here.
My garden looks like crap. Had to fire my gardener as they were not doing their job and everything looks terrible. I am embarrassed
Your new stove looks great and I know how happy you are that you got it. So much easier to cook now, isn't it.
Good luck at the Dr and take care of that hand.
Have a wonderful sunny week.
Hugs my friend
Mary

Leslie said...

Oh Jane.. I can relate to the rain and gloomy days. It makes us appreciate the sun even more!!
When Paul cleaned up the front yard recently I told him to leave the leaves on the front steps.. I love them clustered there in the corners. : )
Loving the new range!!!! imagine all of the great cooking that is going to happen there.
Have a great week. I too have some exciting things happening this week. ( so exciting that I can't even concentrate on blogging)
xo

Susie said...

Blondie, I love reading your post. It's like a letter from a friend. I know that long stretch of gloomy weather was rough. We had sun on Sunday and some yesterday...but not near enough for me. Hope all goes well at the drs. You new stove looks wonderful. Wasn't the dishes a nice gift to receive. Blessings to you and yours, xoxo,Susie

deb @ frugal little bungalow said...

Have fun cooking on the new stove! :) Love the idea of the skates as a Christmas decoration.
And good luck...
I just visited Art and Sand a wee bit ago...and you are right; she is a sweet lady with a lovely blog :)

Anonymous said...

Oh poor, Janie! I am praying all with be well with taking out your stitches and it won't hurt. I'm sorry to hear you got some infection. Your goulash looks so delish and it's the time of year for soup! I love soup. Your new stove is so nice and I know you'll have a great time cooking up more tasty goodies on it. You're good to get started early on Christmas crafts. I'll probably be still unpacking boxes! :)
Be a sweetie,
Shelia :)

Stacey said...

Yay you have a beautiful oven to cook in now. But darn, I bet that hand hurts!

I don't blame you for tossing the annuals. When you're done...you're done. Right?

That blanket looks just perfect. We have a down blanket that we fight over. We call it the crack blanket because you can't help but be so cozy and comfortable under it. We have been known to nap for hours with it. :)

Teresa@1800 Farmhouse Rd said...

Oh Jane, that goulosh looks so good! I am so sorry about your hand being infected. Prayers for a speedy healing. I can't imagine being without a stove for a month, your new one looks really nice, and I betcha with the cold months coming up, it will get a lot of use. We still have had no rain here, but we were in the mountains, (Tn, and Ashville NC) last week, and it rained every single day that we were there except for one. We ended up coming home early because of it. Anyhoo, have a great day.

Vicki @ lifeinmyemptynest said...

It's always bittersweet to put away the pots and yard decorations for the year. I just pulled some geraniums out of pots that were still going strong, but covered in leaves, so it was time. Hope everything goes well with your hand and your next surgery is not delayed.

Julie Marie said...

Hi Jane... love that cozy knit throw your brought home from the lake... perfect for snuggling in... and your goulash looks delish... Milo is adorable on the pier, and Layla loves laying on a blankie too!... cool and thunderstorms here today... oh well... I can't do my Nature walk for almost three more weeks anyway... so I will probably catch up on some reading... your new stove looks fabulous!... will chat with you through email lots before your surgery... sending good thoughts and prayers your hands heal quickly... xoxo... Me

TexWisGirl said...

hooray on your new stove, finally! :)

cute pup.

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

I love catching up on what you've been up to. So glad your stove arrived! It looks like a beauty too! How nice of that company to gift you with the dishes! Good to know there are still fine companies out there that care about their customers. :) I wish you luck on your next surgery. I'm left handed too! I'll be thinking of you getting your stitches out. Hope it goes smoothly.

SImple and Serene Living said...

Oh, how sad that you had to throw away those still gorgeous flowers. I can never bring myself to do that. So sorry that your hand is infected. Grab that nice warm throw and cuddle up for some rest. xo Laura

It's me said...

Autumn arrived also in the netherlands......stormy Weather we have....love from me Ria...x!

Theresa said...

Love it that you have that wonderful lake house to getaway to:) I am going to check out that goulash! Sounds mighty yummy! I can't wait to hear what you are up to:) Enjoy your evening dear friend, HUGS!

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

I love the idea of hanging your skates on the door. I have an old pair that I have hung on our bannister at our previous house. At this house I have them outside next to the front door at Christmas.

Hope your stiches be removed goes smoothly!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Oooh, sorry to hear you got an infection, Jane. Just look away when they go to touch your arm. I guess it is better to have the surgery done on the left one before the holiday madness. My co-worker has to schedule knee surgery and she is trying to get it done before Christmas.

Nice and chilly here now, too, although I heard it might go up again for the weekend. I think I'm just going to switch out the clothes this week anyway. I really need some of my sweaters now.

Debbie said...

I'm sorry to hear your hand is infected. I hope you get it cleared up real quick, Jane.
The new stove is awesome!!
The griddle would be wonderful when all the kids are over.
The annuals at the lake were gorgeous. Too bad you had to "murder" them. But what else could you do? lol
The skies have FINALLY cleared up here today. I hope it's sunny for you, too.
Debbie
xo

A Joyful Cottage said...

Yay! You got a new stove. It's gorgeous, Jane. I'm sorry you're having trouble with your stitches. Hope things are better by now. xxx ~ Nancy

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Oh your poor hand Jane! It's funny..I never noticed you were left handed. My daughter is, but Addison seems to be right handed.
We have had beautiful weather, no rain lately and this weekend we are supposed to be near 70!!
I love the banner you won! It looks perfect on your mantel.
It's kind of sad that we know for sure that summer is gone but maybe our winter won't be quite as bad as last years. We had a great time in Phoenix but it seemed strange to have 90's in October and no colors. My son really misses that. Friday, Katie finds out the sex of her baby. And it won't be long until your grandparents..I bet you are excited. Now take care of that hand ok. Hugs dear friend, Cindy

Unknown said...

Good luck getting the stitches removed. Positive thoughts for you! Take care!

Beth said...

Hi Jane, Hope your hand is feeling much better. Your new stove looks fantastic! I don't know how you went so long without one, but I think it was worth waiting for. I know how creative a cook you are (your goulash looks fantastic, Jane). I've been cooking more lately - I think the cooler weather makes me want to cook and bake. I'm still very busy outside, doing end of season garden tasks and "supervising" the "big transition," which is almost complete. :)
Have a nice week and weekend, Jane. Take care. ~ Beth

Scribbler said...

Your new stove looks divine! I do hope your hand is well soon.

Mary said...

Jane I'm really sorry that you're having more problems with your hand…..hopefully the infection will clear quickly.

I'll e-mail you soon about our get-together!
Mary xoxoxoxo

Kathleen Grace said...

I am so sorry to hear that your stitches got infected, hope the Dr. can get that under control. What a relief it must be to have a stove again, I would be tearing out my hair without the ability to bake for that long. That throw would have me napping all day, of course with the shorter days and cooler weather that seems to be all I want to do anyway. Good luck with the next surgery. Hopefully you will be healed and able to use them for the Christmas season!

Town and Country Gals said...

Jane,
I'm with you, hate the gloomy weather, we've had our share! This week is gorgeous, clear and sunny and just cool enough. Your new stove looks fabulous, know you'll enjoy cooking on it! So Sorry about your hand, sounds painful! Hopefully it will all be behind you soon!
Rebecca

Traci said...

Oh no! I hope your hand is better quickly! Your stove looks so nice! I know you're thrilled to finally have it. We've had a touch of fall weather but it's still in the 80's during the day. We're leaving for Napa today so I have boots & scarves packed!

Val said...

Beautiful photos. And lovely crocheted throw! Anything that makes a nap better or a home comfier. :)

I hope the stitch-removal went well today or goes well today.

Love,

Val ♥

jp@A Green Ridge said...

Reading through all your adventures, Jane, I was glad to read of your next surgery...then it will be done, girlfriend!! The banner is adorable...absolutely as is that blankie!!!!...:)JP

Carla from The River said...

Hello,
I love your photo of the sand, Autumn leaves and grass, very cool.
Hope you are feeling better soon.
xx oo
Carla

LanasArtStudio said...

Such a wonderful post! I like to see your sentimental side here.... especially about cosy blanket story:) I had the same iceskating boots back in Russia. I think my mom is still saving them for me :) I need to ask... Your four lagged friends so cute!

Anonymous said...

I just came back checking on you, I hope your surgery site is healing, take care,

Charlene said...

So sorry you had to close up the lake house. That must make you sad...But, I bet fall is pretty there even if you don't have potted flowers. Enjoy your new stove. I'm loving mine! I should do a post about my remodel. Oh it was a doozy! HUGS!

Melanie said...

I hope everything went well with getting your stitches out. So sorry to hear your incisions got infected. Sounds very painful.
Isn't it sad having to dump flowers at the end of the season? We still have two large containers going semi-strong; they'll have to be dumped soon, too.
Your new stove looks so nice! I think you'll really enjoy that grill pan.

Kate @ Eating in the Shower Blog said...

This made me wish for a Northeast fall day! Such beautiful photos!

xinex said...

It looks so pretty there, Janie. It's not looking like fall in our place yet. Love the plates and flatware....Christine

Kit said...

Ouch! I hope your hand is feeling better. You take care! Kit

Beth said...

I like your shoes, Jane! Sorry your hand is so sore. Hopefully, both will be much better and you'll put this behind you very soon. Your yard is looking good - the grass is so nice and green. It's a good feeling to accomplish garden/yard clean up (now we go into the season of rest...while I don't like cold, I do like rest from the garden and it's very much needed here.)
I ADORE your trellis rug, Jane! Gorgeous! I've never seen one like it. You are much more up to date on decorating trends than I...helps when your daughter is an interior designer, eh?
Your pie looks delightful! I bought the Ms. American Pie book by Beth M. Howard and was quite inspired: I've made 20 of her pie recipes already! That does include an apple pie, and an apple crumb pie...my favorites though are chocolate cream, French Silk, lemon meringue, and key lime. I highly recommend the book. It's more than a cookbook; it's a fun read. She tells stories about her life.
I like your Plow and Hearth window. You've decorated it beautifully, Jane.
I am so very interested in hearing more about your trip to Asheville. It's on my bucket list and I'd like to know what you did there (of course I know about the 250 room mansion!)
Hugs and blessings, Beth