Sunday, April 3, 2016

RANDOM COMINGS & GOINGS


Let's start with some pretty flowers today.  I seem to gravitate to them every time I do my grocery shopping as you know.  The other day it was $5 bouquets so I chose two bunches of spray roses.  I have this fantastic wire container with three glass jars and flower frog tops that make arranging so simple with spectacular results.  You've seen this before but I've never actually used it on my table until recently.  I combined two different shades, yellow and pink, and I think it looks beautiful.  I hope they last as long as those carnations I shared in my last post.  Changing the water every day and snipping a bit at the bottom of the stems helps.  The porcelain tray they sit on is a purchase from Williams Sonoma years ago.  Very, very pretty.  I love bringing it out in the spring.

I hope all of you had a wonderful Easter.  We had a lovely day.  The weather was quite warm and we talked and laughed and enjoyed a great dinner.  Dessert was wonderful...so many sweets brought by guests, much more than needed.  A great time all around.

I had a few dishes that failed but I was prepared for that. I disappointed myself with the trifle I had planned for dessert.  This however, was not the first time I had made one.  I simply didn't fully read the recipe as I went through the various steps...cake, filling, fruit, repeat.  I mixed the whipped cream into the filling (pudding and condensed milk among other things) when I should have folded it in at the end. Instead of a firm sort of custard it was more like milk  The next layer, berries, would have sunk into oblivion.  Happily I had the homemade pound cake and extra whipped cream as well as strawberries and that's a nice dessert of its own.  Several family member brought sweets as well.  We weren't lacking at all.  

I promised a few recipes and you can find links at the end of my post. You can also follow me on Pinterest by clicking on the icon on my sidebar.  Most of my recipes are Pinned and I make a ton of changes...I pick apart recipes all the time and give my own stamp on them until I'm satisfied.  I'll only give you recipes on my blog if I have done that.  Otherwise a direct link to the source.  You can fiddle with these recipes as well.  That's originality.  :)





I always try to make anything and everything ahead of time for big dinners and holidays.  I had an appointment with my dermatologist downtown the Friday before Easter and planned to start some desserts and make~ahead dishes later that day.  I was however, feeling a bit off that morning  After I showered and about 15 minutes before I was ready to leave, I felt a wave of nausea come over me and from then on it was a downhill course if you know what I mean.  The Husband tucked  me into bed and called to cancel the appointment.  It really upset me as I need to be monitored, have blood tests, etc., to make sure the meds aren't affecting my liver and kidneys. 

 As I laid in bed I kept thinking of all of the preparations I had to do for Easter Sunday.  I really like a head start, am determined to have a head start.  I had shopping, cleaning and a few recipes to do as early as possible.  But I was feverish, chilled and nauseous.  And then...there was a knock at the door.  A representative for the electric company.  They were going to be trimming trees in my backyard and along the alley to clear the power lines...please keep your dogs in.  Oh, that's easy.  Except my dogs can hear, see and sense anyone within 50 feet of our house.  I had 50 guys in bright yellow vests and hard hats doing macho stuff with my 50 walnut trees and then hauling the poor and healthy limbs to their cruel chipper truck.  Oh, such excitement for Milo and Layla and misery for me.  I shut the blinds, closed the curtains and thought about blasting the Rolling Stones on my iPod, but instead I suffered in silence.  As you can see above, as evidence of my distress, I pulled Milo's favorite chair away from a living room window but it didn't deter the dude from straddling it.  Obscene almost.  As horrifying it was, it makes for a good blog post.



Abby was on spring break this week and I always feel that I have to clarify that she is a teacher, not a student.  At 25 years old, being petite and pretty, she really does look like a student and it drives her mad.  She arrived home Easter Sunday morning with a cute tray of sliced cakes and a container of guacamole and chips.  She thrust them at me and said, "Never go to the grocery store on Easter morning.  The whole place was swimming with desperate people."  And then she caught sight of The Husband vacuuming the living room rug.  He was feeling sympathetic after my stomach bug and was doing pretty much everything I asked him to do.  Yes, it was shocking for both me and Abby.  I was simply happy that he needed only a minimum of directions to find the vacuum cleaner.



As I said, Abby was on spring break and I was really looking forward to some one on one time with her.  She has been living on the Northside of Chicago for the past year with her best friends and as we are on the Southside, we've missed her.  Now, she and her boyfriend of 7 years have found an apartment just 5 houses down from where she lives now.  A three story apartment with a cool courtyard that blends in very much with the million dollar homes (seriously) on the block.  I say this because her safety depends very much on the neighborhood she lives in.  So far we've only seen some pictures.  Move in date is April 30th.  

Today The Husband and I drove up to be with her and some of her housemates for her birthday at a pub on the corner called Toons.  We had a fabulous time.  The weather was so strange.  It would be sunny and pleasant and then turn dark with snow blowing in the high winds.  It would stop and start over and over again.  Very odd and now we have temps expected in the 60's.  


April 2, 2016  
Downtown Chicago


This photo was taken from our car on our way back home.  The clouds were quite ominous.

I ordered a gift for her that hasn't arrived yet, but then again her actual birthday is on April 7.  She never reads my blog so I'll tell you.  A fine gold necklace with an 'A' charm and another little teardrop charm with Tom's birthstone.  I actually paid extra for fast shipping but it wasn't here today when we met up with her.  Grrrrr...  I hope it arrives before we leave for Canada.

We had a great five days together.  Monday we hit HomeGoods for some 'this and that' for her apartment.  I was on a weird mission to find her a butter dish.  I know, very strange.  I actually found three that I placed in one spot, (shhhh...) to show her.  As I walked the aisles I felt my heart getting heavy.  She doesn't have that black belt in shopping like Emily and I do.  I expected to find her with nothing.  As I rounded a corner there she was, her cart half full.  She has a vision!  Yay!  Spa colors for her bath, some kitchen items and even a few decorative pieces  (you can see some of this in the photos below).   So many things piled on the floor in my family  room.  She was so excited to show Tom.  Yes, these are my tosies! And no, she didn't like any of the butter dishes.  Claims she doesn't use butter, just olive oil.  I'm guessing she'll never bake.  




After HomeGoods and two furniture stores, we had a late lunch at Corner Bakery.  Tuesday we went to 2 more furniture stores and a mall~I needed a few products from Sephora.  Yes, I need some attention, too!  She and Tom ended up at Ikea that night and bought a sectional and are very happy (ever after I hope).



I've been searching and searching for a real wreath all over the place but didn't want to pay $75+ dollars.  This is handmade with real wheat and I scored it for under $20!  It may not last forever but I really love the real thing.  I'm not against silk plants, I think they look great from a distance in an urn on the hearth or fireplace, but not in close proximity.  But it suits many people and I don't knock that.  I hope this pretty wreath lasts awhile.  We have a storm door so I think I'm good.

With the risk of changing my blog name to Blondie's Medical Journal, I just wanted to share a little about my dermatology appointment Friday.  My skin is doing really well and I may have the meds cut in half at my next appointment in a few weeks.  Yes, no more headaches!  So at this appointment my doctor wanted a blood test to check my liver and kidney functions that are sometimes affected by this drug.  And gulp...I only have one kidney (long story).  My blood pressure was sky high, too, and that frightened me.  As my luck goes, the nurse/tech had to stick me 5 times, one in the back of my hand, and seriously could not get blood.  I turned my head to The Husband each time to avoid the sight and each time I thought it was happening.  Nope.  I said to him, 'Hon, I truly think I'm dead."  And he replied,  "No. You're still Googling restaurants for lunch"

Great week ahead.  A blood test at a facility of my choice (they decided not to stick me any further).  Two light therapies bumped up to three.  I finally got a current eye exam and need to follow up on that.  The dreaded teeth cleaning.  But on a happy note, my blog friend, Cindy, and her husband are coming to Chicago and we are meeting for dinner on Monday night.  I am SO looking forward to that.  She's the blogger I met 7 years ago and we meet up once or twice a year.  We may also meet up for a little shopping and lunch as well.  I am beyond happy!  

I have three links for recipes I think you guys might love.  As I said, I screwed up the trifle but it's a recipe you may want to keep.  The Italian Spread is a keeper.  Make it ahead, it tastes better after it melds.   Several people raved over the Chilled Strawberry Soup.  I added a bit more cream than the recipe calls for, taste it as you go along.  It was a little tart to me. ;-)


I'll see you hopefully before our trip next Friday.

Jane





51 comments:

Mereknits said...

I am so glad you are feeling better, that flu that is going around knocks you out in no time flat. Hooray for being better by Easter and having hubby pitch in when you needed him to with the cleaning. Love the time you spent with your daughter, it sounds lovely.

I was at a craft fair a few weeks back and ran into this women from Georgia selling She butter, good for eczema or so I am told. I bought some for my husband, and have to tell you I have been stealing it every morning to put n the dry patches on my face. I love it so yesterday ordered some online for myself.

Thought you might like the link, http://www.florasheabutter.com/Products.html.

Look it up and see what you think. Have a great week,
Meredith

Rita C at Panoply said...

Best line..."she doesn't have that black belt in shopping that Emily & I do." Hehe
Well, for that guy knocking on the door to butcher your trees...he better hope he doesn't catch your nasty bug as his karma. Those guys have totally hacked trees in our neighborhood. I've been threatening to take some pictures and post it on Facebook or something - they're just awful! I hope they did a better job for you.
Glad you felt better for Easter. I was down and out with a nasty cold/allergies/sommething on Easter weekend, but better now.

Susie said...

Blondie, I used to have a black belt is shopping...but no more. I can do about 2-3 hours and I am done. That's why I give money as gifts any more. Let the one receiving do the shopping. Honestly saves my feet. :):) I loved the things you girls found while shopping. Your wire basket with the vases is adorable. I could see that being used many times. I had to laugh at your dog. They don't miss a thing, do they. Tickles me. I so glad you are doing better, sorry to hear you were ill at Easter week. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

WOW - nice newsy post, Jane! Glad you are feeling better and super glad you're lowering the Myosin dosages, that's great news. Sorry about the not-finding-a-good-vein dealio - happens to my poor little sister every week at her IVIG sessions, it is awful to behold.

Happy belated to your daughter, and so glad you've been doing super fun things.

Happy April happy spring! Hugs! ♥

Brenda Pruitt said...

You are always busy, busy, busy. And I admire that nothing keeps you down for long!
Brenda

Dewena said...

What is this, National tree butchering week? We were just sick to come home and find stumps and a long path up our driveway that looked like a flame thrower had been at work.

Are you feeling better now? I hope so. I bet that trifle tasted good even if it needed a spoon to eat. Have a wonderful trip to Canada!

Row homes and Cobblestones said...

Jane wow a real catchup in Blondie land. I think your Pink and Yelllow roses are stunning. I love to take a piece of pound cake butter it and put it under the broiler to tan and then top with strawberries and whipped cream, YUM. It just adds an extra dimension to the flavor. I am glad you are having scheduled blood tests to check your liver and kidney. Now you have caused us all to wonder what happened to your other kidney? Milo straddling the chair cracked me up! Tree trimming is noisy, noisy, noisy. Happy birthday wishes to Abby and her necklace gift sounds beautiful. Enjoy your vacation coming up sweet Jane.
xoxo,
Vera

Vicki @ lifeinmyemptynest said...

Beautiful flowers Jane! I pinned the Italian Dip - sounds really good served with sliced bread :-)

Anonymous said...

Poor Janie! I'm so sorry you got sick but glad you're feeling better now! Your flowers are just gorgeous and I love how you mixed the colors. Do you think you just do too much and got yourself down? Glad you had a great time with your daughter too! Sorry again about the sticking. I've gotten so bold in my old age when it's my turn for a stick if they can't get it the first time I ask for someone else. So far it's worked! Take care of yourself.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Debbie said...

Hello Jane! I am so not keeping up on blogging....So good to be here to catch up on what you are up to. Sorry you had a bout with the yuckies. I get that issue of being a hard poke for blood work...I have that problem too.
I am happy that you had a good time with your daughter on that little shopping jaunt. Spending time with our girls is just the best, isn't it?
Waiting for Spring to arrive here in the north....lots of snow coming down today.
Joined everyone on instagram...enjoying that.
Great post, Jane. Always a treat to visit you.
Smooches.
Debbie
xo

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...


oh Jane, I am so sorry that you were ill for Easter. Hope that you are feeling better now.
I just love your posts. It's like receiving a letter from a friend telling me all the news.

So glad that you had time to spend with your daughter and do all that shopping.

Your roses are stunning and look so good in your vases. Stop by my latest post and see all my roses in bloom. If we lived close you could come over anytime and pick yourself all the roses you want.

Now stay healthy so that you have a terrific time in Canada.

Lots of hugs,
Mary

Unknown said...

Gosh, you are busy! Glad you are feeling better~

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

I am glad you had a nice Easter. I used to make Trifles years ago and they were mostly good. Now, I don't think I could do it. Besides when having a dinner, people always beg to do the desserts. They do this to be the shinning star of the of the meal. No one praises the person who made the carrots, but bring something sweet and you are loved.

Unknown said...

Love how your flowers are displayed, beautiful! Easter is for family and fellowship with delicious food. Thank your daughter for deciding to become a Teacher, Bless her heart!
My dogs will be needing a nerve pill if men came with loud machines. You have that many trees on your property? Will they come back? Wow, our lines are underground.
Checking side effects with the meds you're taking is a must, same with my husband too. Sounds like you're doing good with the precedure:)
This winter weather has been strange and I'm curious about our summer here in Phoenix, way to hot last summer. Maybe a mild summer, I can only hope.
Have wonderful days until the next post:) Kathleen in Az

Sarah said...

Sorry you had a nasty bug, and glad to know your are feeling better.
We had trees trimmed this week too. It always makes me nervous that they are going to cut more than I want. I'm a tree hugger!
The shopping week sounds like fun. Looks like Abby can hold her own on the shopping front. She must have been paying attention to those black belt role models. Ha! I've not been to Home Goods in a long time. Dare I risk a visit? '-)
Have a grand time on your upcoming trip.

Marigene said...

Glad that you recovered from having that nasty bug that has been making the rounds. Sorry to hear you are having high b/p problems...hope they can get that under control.
I can't imagine a daughter of yours not liking shopping! LOL
Have fun with Cindy and have a great week, Jane.

Leslie Harris said...

Hi Jane, It was so nice catching up with your life, although I was so sorry you were sick for Easter... but it sounds like you're feeling better based on your shopping stamina hahaha and what great news about Abby moving closer. I'm so happy for you, it's so nice to have the kids closer especially when they have such busy lives. That picture of Milo is SO cute.
xo
Leslie

Art and Sand said...

I am sorry that you caught a bug right in the middle of important events- isn't that always the case. And I hope all is settled with your meds.

I just got a cute container like yours for flowers so I need to go buy fresh flowers - this time of year I mostly buy plants.

It sounds like your life has been your typical busy!

shortybear said...

such lovely flowers. glad you feel better.

Lisa said...

Jane
I love your flower arrangement! I have a milk bottle carrier with the milk bottles very similar to this. I need to pin this so i'll remember to do this. It's so pretty! Sorry to hear you had the dreaded stomach flu. My daughter, SIL and grand baby all had it and I refused to go over there until it was hosed down in Lysol. Is there anything worse? I think not.
Your Easter dinner sounds delicious! I'm writing down the recipes!
I'm so glad your treatments are working. I know that is a relief.'-)
Thanks for taking me along on all your adventures. I needed to get out of the house.LOL
Happy Monday!

Theresa said...

Happy that you feel better and are back at it:) LOVE the flowers, I always grab a couple bunches to make a bouquet too! Enjoy your day, lunch, dinner and shopping... PERFECT way to spend the day with friends! HUGS!

Kim said...

So glad you're feeling better, Jane. I was knocked out with something for almost three long, awful, weeks. I need sun and summer and soon!! I hate getting blood drawn, they can never get my veins easily either. You are good to go back, I would be hiding. Thanks for linking to the strawberry soup! I saw that recipe in an earlier post and the just the name makes me drool...and ps...my mom's birthday is April 7th also. She will be 85. I bet she'd love to be mistaken for a student!! ;) Ha!!

It's me said...

Beautiful rosses....lovely week enjoy summer love Ria x ❤️

Carla from The River said...

Hello Jane,
My son Sam has an April 7th birthday too. He will be 16! He has his drivers test on the 11th.
I love what you got your daughter for her birthday...how sweet. Post a photo when it arrives. :-)
xx oo
Carla

Vel Criste said...

You are one busy lady Jane! I hope your skin woes calm down as well as the other medical stuff. Glad you had your daughter/teacher back at home to enjoy your cooking and the lovliness all around!

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Goodness gracious. Your body seems to be going through a lot lately. That's the bad thing about taking any medication ... there are always side effects. And everyone reacts differently.

Did you have a 24 hour bug? That seems to have made the rounds here a couple of weeks ago, from what I've been told.

Carnations are great because they last for weeks on end. At least they do here -- most other flowers wilt and die within days.

Hope you have a good week.

TiffanyJane said...

Hope you are feeling better! I have had allergies kicking my rear lately, something in the air. Can't walk outside without the sneezes :)
The flowers are gorgeous! :) nice score on the $20 wreath too!
Lovely visit, thank u :)

vintageandart said...

hi...l found your lovely and funny blog through Deb at the lakehouse...l thoroughly enjoyed reading your post and all the goings on in your life. l had to chuckle about your trifle not working out, not in a mean way of course just in the way that pretty much everything l cook doesn't work out..haha... lt sounds as though you've recovered from your tummy bug which is great news but how horrible that the workmen had to choose THAT day to trim, your pooch looks as though he's ready to jump off his chair and out the window just to keep an eye on them:-) Shopping with your daughter sounds like me shopping with mine...it's always me saying what about this and her saying no mum l don't think so:-) but we love to get to ikea together though it doesn't happen much as she lives interstate. Any way thanks for a lovely read while having my brekky cuppa.

Scribbler said...

I hope you are feeling better. Tummy bugs are NOT fun.

It sounds like you are so busy! I love your husband's comment "still Googling restaurants for lunch" while getting stuck. I could tell you some horror stories about me and my rolling veins. Right before I had my knee replacement year before last, a nurse mutilated my poor arm. The Anesthesiologist in pre-op did it himself and sent the poor nurse packing. Her efforts left my arm black and blue and sore for a month, and the place he put in the port for the IV on my right arm (inconvenient but effective) didn't even have so much as a bruise. It is just incompetence or fear on the part of the sticker -- I am not sure.

I am going to check your recipes. I used to make trifle. Once my brother commented, "this tastes good, but it looks awful!". I don't know if I have made another.

At any rate, hope you are feeling better!

Primitive Stars said...

Evening Jane, I so enjoy sitting with a coffee in hand and visiting you. Always enjoy your posts. Hope you are feeling better, no fun.... I love the wreath, so so pretty... Hugs Francine.

Linda said...

OH I do love hearing about your busy life, Jane...
Your roses are perfect....Easter sounds like a typical family get together....Sorry you were under the weather...
Have fun with your bloggy pal...
Cheers!
Linda :o)

Linda said...

I absolutely LOVE your random comings and goings!!! I always feel as if we just sat down and had a nice little chat!! You have such a charming way to make us all feel like we are visiting you one on one!
I need to get that little wire flower holder for my Amber! She never buys groceries without purchasing flowers as well.

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

You stay so busy and your recipes always looks so great.
Glad to hear that you are feeling better too!
Jemma

Anonymous said...

you have been so busy,, I have missed you,, i was away for a while but back now,, April 7th is my husbands birthday as well as your daughters,, the place she found sounds amazing and very exciting place to live.
We love trifle in this house but I ave had some sinkers too,, still yummy though,
I hope you feel better soon and your skin continues to heal,
blood tests and teeth cleanings, what we must endure to survive, lol,,
So sad about the walnut trees but I suppose it was for safety reasons,,

designchic said...

I almost never leave the grocery store without fresh flowers, so beautiful! And so happy you are feeling better!

Sherry @ Thrift My House said...

Love the pretty flowers! I loved reading about you and your daughters shopping trip. I have a 20 year old daughter so I get it... the butter dish and all :)

Love the photo of doggy on the couch.. so cute.

The recipes sound good, looked at the strawberry soup... don't know if anyone here will eat that but I think it sounds amazing.

Have a great week, hope you are feeling good now.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Gorgeous roses! I'm sorry you were sick at Easter. You sound like me, if I'm going to get sick you can bet it'll be around holiday time. The pic of the dog on the back of the chair made me smile...so cute. Take care and have a great week!

Pondside said...

Oh dear, that sounds like a terrible way to spend Easter. I hope you're feeling much better and that it doesn't affect your trip!

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

Spending time shopping with a daughter surely lifts the spirits! Looks like she found some pretties. Feeling sick before a big event is no fun at all, and then to have the tree trimmers and dogs barking....oh, I can just imagine the misery. Great photo of the fur-baby on the back of the chair, though :) I am glad that you are feeling better and made it to your appt. Love your wreath and thank you for the recipes. Strawberry soup sounds wonderful. Hope your week is lovely. Hugs xo Karen

ann said...

Hello Jane. Here I am at the bottom of the list, again. I am slow to get around. I remember being 25, my first teaching job. Going home to visit. What does Abby teach? I hope she is in a good school. I have a desert recipe failure too for Easter, cup cakes. How does one ruin cup cakes? I managed to. We are holiday freed for while; we can take breather.

FrenchGardenHouse said...

Jane, the roses are beautiful! There is nothing like white and pink roses to perk up any room and bring joy to every day! Glad you are doing better, friend. And thank you for entering my GIVEAWAY! xo Lidy

Decor To Adore said...

Oh Jane I am so glad you recovered and were able to spend some time with your darling daughter! Have a wonderful weekend!

Unknown said...

Hi Jane,
I was so happy we had the night out! I love coming over here and getting caught up . I hope you have a wonderful trip.
Hugs, Cindy

Poppy said...

Wow, Jane, hope you are feeling better! You are such a busy person, always on the go, always something on the stove, on the back burner, I guess, too.

I was having dizzy spells and feeling very weak all day at work on Friday, and am glad I got a chance to rest up a bit this weekend; it helps.

Yes, we seemed to have been off track with each other's blogs, but am glad that you popped in, and what did I just read...you'll be in my neck of the woods, soon??!!!

Poppy

A Joyful Cottage said...

Glad you're feeling better, Jane, and I hope by the time you post again your blood pressure will be down. Meeting up with Cindy will be good for you. Your husband is so funny, and I think he must be a great fit for you. Enjoy the new week. Hugs, Nancy

Karen (Back Road Journal) said...

Sorry that you didn't feel well for Easter…hope you are feeling better now. It was so nice that your husband was there to help out. I'm sure those beautiful roses must have lifted your spirits a little. All in all, I'm sure everyone enjoyed your lovely decorated home and your good food.

Stacey said...

Jane, I love to read your posts. That dreaded stomach virus has been going around here too. At Easter our nephew's kids had it and it trickled through the family after that. I've missed it...knock on wood.

I know you had fun with your daughter on spring break. It always sounds like you two have the best relationship. No daughters here...just sweet sons who ignore me a lot.

Hope you are having a great week!

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

oh, that berry Trifle, thanks for sharing. Glad all is ok in your world - those roses, just beautiful.

Bluebird49 said...

God bless Abby(with Tom giving her a helping hand of vacuuming, cooking and such!) She didn't win a butler or something, did she? )You two are something w/ hobbies/boyfriends VACUUMING? lease tell me your secrets!
Waiting to hear of Vancouver!

xinex said...

How fun for Abby and her bf to move to their own home and how fun shoppibg for it. Sorry you have been sick but glad you'reo better. Take good care of yourself, Janie. The roses are gorgeous!...Christine

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

Oh my goodness, Jane...I follow you on Bloglovin' and your posts (and several others) haven't been showing up in my feed, so I thought you were taking a blog break or something. Then this morning...bam! There they all are! So weird. So, today I'm playing catch up. :) First off, Milo is cracking me up on the back of that chair like that! I bet those workers drove him crazy, but hopefully, it wore him out and he slept a long time after that. Sounds like you and Abby had a nice shopping trip together and she sure got lots of goodies. I love your new wreath! My hubby grew up on a wheat farm in Montana...I bet they had no idea they could have made a bundle selling wreaths made with their homegrown wheat! So glad to hear you're feeling better. Lots of people had that yucky stomach virus.