Monday, April 8, 2019

MARCHING INTO SPRING: NEW RECIPES, BOOKS, AND BLONDIE ANTICS




Pretty Tea Roses


Hi friends.  I've actually been working on this post for awhile.  Telling myself I needed to get my bum going, feeling guilty that I still wasn't moving, overthinking the guilt, perusing my photos, editing them, blah, blah blah.  Just not focused. I know there has been a very big change in blogging since Instagram came along.  My comments and page views have gone down tremendously.  Personally, it affects my motivation to write in a way that I tell myself--no one is holding their breath for your next post.  No matter, I will never give up blogging although I often come on here with my tail between my legs for lack of discipline.  One good thing I want to say, I recently "cleaned out" my cache and cookies (and I have no idea what that means).  I was pleased to see so many blogs from the past pop up on my feed.  People I followed, went way back with, and absolutely loved were all there.  So I'm touching base a little at a time.  If you are reading this and you haven't heard from me in awhile, it wasn't intentional.  


Corned Beef and Cabbage

I enjoyed reading about your St. Patrick's Day celebrations and delicious meals.  We celebrate pretty hard here on the Southside.  We have a huge population of Irish folks, many first generation.  I like to brag that we have the largest St. Paddy's Day parade in the US, and of course, the Chicago River is dyed green (it's vegetable dye and very safe for whatever lurks in there). The Husband and I were content at home while our kids and their kids hit up the parade and after-parties. 



 I made the traditional dinner of corned beef and cabbage.  I poured two glasses of beer for The Husband and I and added a bit of green dye.  He had no idea what I was surprising him with. ;-D   So I'm wondering about corned beef.  We all have our cooking methods: oven, slow cooker, and boiling, which my mother did and her mother did.  How do you do your corned beef?  I remember my mother in law cutting her cabbage very precisely and skewered chunks with toothpicks.  During the last 5 minutes of cooking the meat, carrots and potatoes, she added her cabbage and let it happily float and steam.  She hated it all soggy and unrecognizable.  She was so cute and such a dear.




The Husband and I recently found out our little used bookstore had moved locations and expanded.  We went one Sunday afternoon just recently and pleasantly got lost.  I wish I had thought to make a list of authors-- I kind of walked around aimlessly.  Did I want drama?  Mysteries?  Thrillers?  It was a little confusing as I usually search recommendations from friends, bloggers, newspapers, and magazines.  Next time I'll go armed.  You can trade in your own books for credit towards what you purchase.  And I have stacks.  Most of them not read yet. 

Our Cherry Pie


When Madelyn visits or I get to have her here for a good amount of time, it's like having a little friend.  When I was younger, maybe I was too busy with four little ones running every which way at once, maybe they kept themselves amused together.  Maybe time has gone by and my memories are all fuzzy.  But I want to eat this kid up.  I want to show her how to cook, bake, clean up, brush her teeth (she loves my electric toothbrush but of course I only let her feel it), put things in the garbage, wash dishes...more on that last one in a bit.  

Little ones like repetition.  She really blows my mind that she remembers what we did the last time she was over and gets that ball rolling before I can say anything.  She loves to bake.  Of course she loves dough--what child doesn't?  But she's smart; she knows we have to dust the counter to roll the dough (and she quite good with my old rolling pin).  With this pie she was a little inpatient when we had to cut the top, but she loved using a fork to press down the edges, and then "painting" with egg.  Once it was finished she had the last little bit of dough and was playing with it.  I wanted to make a little flower cut out but I tell you, she almost arm wrestled me for it!  Can you spot it?

My Maid

Our new things is doing the dishes.  She has a little tea set, and of usually our baking things, and I think she could stand on that chair for hours.  Kids have a very early infatuation with water.  This was the first time we did dishes, and she was soaked from head to toe.  The next time I knew to take off her clothes and wrap her in a towel.  Forget the hardwood floors, she was having fun.  It's all about imitating, imagination, and repetition.  I'm in heaven!

She's super interested in her Barbie and Skipper dolls.  She's learned how to name them and give them voices from her older cousin, Ella.  When I was little, and even when my girls were little, it was all about dressing them in the latest fashion.  I went on Amazon and my mouth dropped open at all of the cool set-ups your little plastic gals can play in.  I ordered a little supermarket with mini fruits and veggies, cartons of milk and orange juice, etc.  That turned out to be one of her favorites with the familiar shopping cart as well as the stroller with the baby that Skipper pushes around while holding her Starbucks coffee and cell phone.  So I had about five of these little plastic scenarios set up on the coffee table in my den.  She was so surprised that Grammy had Barbies!  Her eyes scanned it and became shiny. "For me?  For me?"  We played together for a few hours.  And she happily shares.  Her cousin, Brooks, was here the other day and they were sweet together.  He's my only grandson so I think I need to stock up on some action heroes. :)




Roasted Vegetable Pizza

I have really been cooking up a storm.  Please don't think I'm being over confident or anything.  I think I've said it before, it's like a hobby.  It relaxes me and makes me happy.  Lately my recipes have been all about what I have on hand and I just take it from there.  Sadly, I simply can't stage and photograph food so I'm at a loss as to how to share some of the dishes I make.  Maybe I could do an illustration.  I used to sketch quite well if I must say so myself.  ;-D

 Let me give you my take on Chicago pizza.  It's not all about pan pizza or deep dish.  You can order it of course, but most of us here on the Southside love our thin crust, salty tomato sauce, and toppings.  The Husband orders our delivered pizzas "well done" and it's quite heavenly.  Smokey, crispy, crunchy, and so good.

So this is my game here.  The pre-made crust gets a tiny smear of sauce, some basil and oregano.  Take any veggies you like, toss them with a little bit of olive oil and give them 15 minutes in a 425 degree oven. Then scatter all of it on the pizza crust, a handful of cheese--your choice, some salt and pepper, and then bake  for about 15 minutes to finish it off.  I feel good about eating a pizza like this as the crust is so thin that you aren't consuming a ton of carbs.  I don't remember the brand of these crusts but just look around.  Then do it your way.  Or--if you have time, make your own crust.  Check out my Pinterest page for some dandy ones.  In fact, just go and have a peek at my Pinterest account, the icon is on my sidebar.



Not Your Average Pizza

This bad boy had me scratching my head but I thought it was about time to really venture into the wild.  I have the cookbook, Delish, but this is a recipe I found on their website.  The only description was, "Just try it" and I did.  Very easy, not a ton of ingredients, and all of the topping played together well.  I used one of those thin pizza crusts I mentioned above so I didn't invest a lot of time or waste.  But I really think this is a winner and I'll put it right up there with the 'not so regular' chili, Sloppy Joe's, burgers, spaghetti...that this book has inspired me to do.  Remember the Fried Lasagna in my last post?  Read about it and another fun app here.

  But before you rush over to the recipe, let me tell you how I changed it up before I made it and would definitely do/not do the next time:

1)  Use more mozzarella cheese.  Spread that stuff out all the way to the edges so you get it in every bite.

2). Rather than six slices of bacon, just fry up the whole pound.  You know you're going to munch on a few pieces and give the dog a few bits.  I think the pizza needs more anyway, and again, don't forget those edges.  

3). The pickles photographed really well, but in reality, I would cut them in half.  I felt that getting a whole slice in a bite was major puckering up.  

I really hope you try this.  My actual cookbook has a whole chapter devoted to pizza's and I'm going to keep trying to take the creative road with them.  


 
My Latest Read

I'm slow but persistent.  I started this and I'm liking it.  Moriarty creates the most complex characters, sometimes too many of them to keep track of, and I felt this with Big Little Lies (the movie worked out better for me).  I'm reading this book a little slower, backtracking sometimes to look for some key pieces when I feel a little lost, and it's definitely a page turner.  She creates thrillers with a nice amount of humor.  Her characters are people we can understand a bit, maybe identify with in spite of their flaws.  Has anyone read this yet?  And can you recommend any other new novels?




My Favorite New Bootie

I had been pinning these on my favorite shoe website, Sole Society.  Things are a bit pricey but you can catch some good markdowns and I've always gotten good quality shoes.  These will transfer well from cold weather to warm.  They will look good with slim jeans rolled up a bit, and even skirts and dresses.  

Another website I found that I'm loving is Roolee.  I think their clothes are breezy and sweet.  Who can't like a cute linen dress billowing around a model dancing in a field of wildflowers?  My daughters and I are loving this site, I've ordered a dress and shoes, Abby ordered the same shoes, and Emily bought two cute dresses.  Tap the links to these websites.  I think they are age appropriate for us Over-Forties-Crowd, as well as our daughters.  




Bunnies Multiplying

They came out of their bin, were dusted off, and scattered around the house along with a few nests and eggs.  I'm starting to plan Easter dinner.  We have quite a crowd coming and I'm going to have to squeeze in some extra tables for the first time.  



Doggie Naps

Milo and Layla grab the sun wherever and whenever they can.  I share so much about Milo that sometimes little Layla doesn't get asked to the prom.  She's thirteen and healthy, and maybe I lean too much on what I've heard that smaller dogs live longer.  And I guess I pacify myself with that because Milo is on borrowed time.  In his case, his cancer came back last September.  With nothing left to do it's been all about waiting it out.  He's different everyday.  His back problems cause him to move slowly and his senility is pretty bad.  He paces and is confused sometimes but overall this is simply age progression.  The vet has said that we need to look for signs of no interest in anything, no appetite, and signs of pain.  So we take it day by day.  Thank you for your prayers.  I share a bit more about this journey on my Instagram feed, if you'd like to visit.  If you have an account, I'm under Blondies Journal.  

And an update on The Husband.  I wrote about the pain in his back and the biopsy he had in my last post.  The results were that he has a bacterial and fungi infection near and possibly in his sacral area.    He had a port put in his upper right arm and he goes to a nearby hospital, rather than downtown to Northwestern Memorial, every morning, seven days a week for an infusion of antibiotics.  He's on week five of the seven weeks and then he'll have another MRI.  He's been working from home this last month and a half and that's a real game changer for both of us!  I don't think I'm going to elaborate on that right now as this post has been going on almost a week of me writing, and maybe more for you to read.  

Abby's bridal shower is next Saturday.  There are four of us planning and it's still a lot of work; phone calls, running around,  putting ideas together, but I think we are on track.  I'll share the details and all about the celebration in my next post.   

Getting the lakehouse  ready for summer is a busy time and it looks like I'll be on my own.  The Husband not only has his infusions, but he's in some pain and not really ready for that strenuous work.  He also has to be ready to go downtown if he has court.  So I'll be heading to Michigan after Easter and with the help of The Beach Boys and my lawn guy, get the beach replenished, the boats back in, and the yard cleaned up.  I'll have to hire for a lot of help on outdoor repairs, and I hope my daughters will pop up to some deep cleaning with me of that big 'ol house.  Thank God for my sons and son in law's for their help as well.  How much The Husband can be there, I just don't know.  But there is no reason for me to not get out of Dodge for a few weeks (or more).  ;-D

Okay, winding up here.  I am doing a little makeover of the blog and I hope to share soon.  A little bit more content besides the Perils of Pauline, but don't worry, my life is better than fiction. 

Okay--I'm ready to hit Publish right now without doing a 50+ grammatical/spell checks...I'll fix that later tomorrow.  Just enjoy. :)  

Happy Spring, friends!

Jane x

41 comments:

Terra said...

Wow Blondie, there is a lot going on at your house. I always enjoy your posts, let's keep on blogging. Your two doggies are very cute and it sounds like they are a bit old. I don't actually know how old my dog is cuz they guessed he was 5 or 6 or 7 when I adopted him, so he is about 8 or more now. I hear, like you mention, that little dogs can live a long time. Your dear hubby is going through an ordeal, and I hope he will heal quickly.

ss said...
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coffeeontheporchwithme said...

It was nice seeing a post of yours pop up! That sounds like no fun at all for your husband. I hope he gets better soon! What a wonderful little granddaughter. I remember my own daughter, twenty some years ago enjoying playing in the water and "washing dishes". Now, not so much! Ha ha. I wish we had fabulous on line shopping sites like the one you mentioned. Shipping costs and the exchange rate make it kind of pricey unfortunately. Have a great week! -Jenn

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

I cook my corned beef in the crock pot. When it is done, I spread a little brown sugar, mustard glaze on top and set in a 250 oven for about 20 minutes. I also make colcannon instead of traditional cabbage and potatoes.

Glad to hear they figured out hubbies problem and it is being addressed.

Vee said...

Very chatty, Jane! Just the sort of post I enjoy. I especially enjoyed the grandgirlie and all her doings. Looks as if she is going to prove a wonderful helper. I am sorry to hear of your husband’s struggles. So many things with our health that can go haywire. May he be back to good health very soon.

Now I enjoy thin crust pizza, but I do not enjoy it cracker crunchy. You have me worried. 😁

It was very nice to see my name on the comment page as I am not able to comment on many blogs these days...no option for me except “Google Account” that does not work.

A blessed week to you...

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I make a lot of homemade pizzas and love them all! Not sure about the pickles though. We need to cut back on sodium around here. Love your new boots and of course the sweet bunnies! Enjoy your week! Happy Spring!

Theresa said...

It is always nice to see a post from you😊. Your little maid is too darn cute. I am doing the same with my GREAT-granddaughter. I don’t want to miss a thing with her. Praying that your hubby gets all better with this treatment and can get back to the office😉. Thanks for making me hungry. We love corned beef any way anytime. Have a blessed day girlfriend. Hugs

Lorrie said...

What a nice chatty post, Jane. I dither back and forth about blogging, too. Should I stop? Why should I carry on? For now, I do, because I know some family members enjoy it. I hope your husband's infection is soon cured. It does sound painful, and the treatment long. What a cutie your Madelyn is. Time spent with grandchildren is so precious.

Do you know, I don't think I've ever eaten corned beef! I may have had a Reuben Sandwich at one point, but that's about it. Never a corned beef dinner. And my husband is of Scottish-Irish background!

What are you planning to make for Easter dinner? I'm beginning to plan, too. Have a wonderful rest of the week!

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

I just went 6 weeks without blogging. It happens. IG is definitely much easier on a daily basis. But, like you, I won't give up blogging. I've made true, blue friends here so don't want to abandon our little community. There's still a bunch of us around that have been doing this for many, many years.

Back problems seem to be an issue for lots of people. I've had issues since middle school because of scoliosis in my lower spine and know that any kind of back problem is no fun at all. Hope your husband gets relief.

Washing dishes at my Mammaw's house as a child was one of my favorite things to do. All my cousins were involved and we would take turns. She taught us to wash with warm sudsy water and rinse with cold, then towel dry and put away. Let's just say I don't follow any of those rules now. :)

It is true that smaller dogs live longer. Poor Milo sure is hanging in there. Bless him.

I use pita bread to make my pizzas. Our pita here is very thin so it makes a nice crunchy crust.

Enjoy your time at the lake house.

Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns said...

It is always nice to see one of your posts pop up! I love this one and feel as if I am sitting across from you with a cup of tea and we are catching up. Blogging isn't what it used to be but that is what makes it special, the connection that is still there and the longtime readers and friendships. Love your pups and your little maid ! Have a great week!

Kim said...

Wow, Jane! Lots going on in your world...as usual.I always love catching up. I think one of the best things about blogging is it can be whatever you want it to be. Post every day, great, pop in once every six months, I say that's fine, it's got to suit you or it becomes a drag. I really do hope that your husband feels well and the infusions are working. Happy bridal shower, that's exciting...and there's nothing better than time with the littles, is there? SO darling!! Enjoy the week!!

Susie said...

Blondie, So good to hear from you. I miss you when you are busy. LOL I love your little kitchen helper. She is adorable. Glad you are having lots of fun times with your grands. I like seeing what all you are cooking . So many tasty meals. Blessings to you and your family. xoxo, Susie
p.s. love the cute boots.

Junkchiccottage said...

Good to see you post Jane. Glad Milo is doing so well. I love to lay in the sunshine too. All the food in your post is making me hungry. Love your sweet boots for Spring and Summer. Your sweet granddaughter is just adorable. Have a great week.
Hugs,
Kris

Blondie's Journal said...

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Jeanie said...

It's good to see your post. I'm so glad you are still blogging. Ironically, since instagram (which I'm not on and maybe this is why) my blog readership and stats have increased significantly. I don't get it but it may be that I'm diluting content by multiple platforms (and cross promoting posts on my Twitter and FB feeds). Who knows. I'm just glad you are blogging!

So sorry to hear about your husband. It sounds grim and unpleasant and yes, painful, which I'm sure is no fun for either of you. I'm glad there is a solution or treatment of sorts but still, no fun.

Longing for sunshine and when RIck is better, more time for the baby grands. Don't stop blogging, promise!

Karen (Back Road Journal) said...

Jane, this is basically a test as my comments haven't been going through on blogger.

Karen (Back Road Journal) said...

My test went through so I'm back to let you know I enjoyed catching up with you. I'm sorry that your husband is still in pain...hopefully the IV antibiotic will work and he will be able to enjoy the lake house with you when you get it open. Make sure you get help and don't over do.

Jill said...

So many good things going on for you! Love all the pictures and those shoes are super cute! I just started following you on Instagram... it does seem to be taking away from the blog world but i will still continue to publish my posts. I want to leave stories and history behind for my girls :-) And future generations to come! Enjoy the rest of your week!

Blessings,
Jill

Anonymous said...

Your little maid is adorable lol,, You have been so busy as always, I’m sorry to hear your husband has been unwell, I hope he feels well soon and that the treatments correct the problem. We love thin pizza in this family, yours looks and sounds really good so does that pie, my husbands favourite pie is cherry. Your fur babies look content and happy, I miss mine so much. I have just come back to blogging fresh start , new blog, I would love for you to visit me again, my profile will bring you to where the spruce trees grow, take care my friend,

Jill said...

Wow, I hope your husband is on the mend, that sounds very serious. I saw a shower picture on Instagram I'm pretty sure, aren't they fun? I love bridal and baby showers!

It's me said...

Hi Jane...What a beautiful post....love sweet Madelyn...your beautiful boots....your cherry pie......mmmmmmm...enjoy the weekend ...love from me Ria 💕💕💕

Anonymous said...

Thank You for the update. I love that picture of the bookstore. I would love to roam through there. I would get lost for hours in that store. Nice to hear from you. Wishing you and yours a Blessed Holy week and a Joyous Easter.
HAPPY EASTER
Marilyn and Family

Paula said...

I tried to read that Moriarty book and gave it a few chances. I just had no idea where the storyline was going and I was sick to death of all the character descriptions but no action. And, I have enjoyed every one of her other books that I had read. Oh well. Love your pizzas although I am not a huge pickle fan I do have friends that would love that one. You make it look so simple. Your granddaughter is so precious, treasure this moment in time that you have with her. I can so vividly recall the times I spent with my own grandmother in her kitchen!

Anonymous said...
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It's me said...

Which wedgewood have you chosen for your daughter ? Jane ?💕💕

read this said...

Amazing post thanks for sharing the post.Your blogs are admirable and full of knowledge.

Dr Purva Pius said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Rita C at Panoply said...

Hi Jane! Thanks for stopping by. The reason you may not have been getting my posts is because I've only written 3 since the first of the year! Yes, we are moving, and the big chunk is going next week. The downsizing has been a monumental task, and I will still have much to purge even after the move. I rented a storage unit for most of my vintage inventory and seasonal decor, waiting to see how much space I actually have after the dust settles.

It's good to catch up with you, and I hope this writing finds your husband stabilizing and feeling better. Health challenges certainly introduce a whole new facet to life and living and relationships, as does retirement. It sounds like you're getting a glimpse of the latter with hubster working from home. The lakehouse will be a good place for you, if you can get all the workers lined up (that's yet another feat!).

Your grands sound as though they're the perfect lights shining on this phase of your life. Thanks for the Roolee website....going to browse now, before I get into more packing and purging today.

Have a wonderful Easter. Enjoy the wedding shower too!
XO,
Rita

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

Lots going on, Jane - hope the hubs is feeling better soon - gosh that sounds painful. Mine works from home alot and it's nice to have him around, but hard to get things done......then he is gone for days at a time traveling, so it's either feast or famine with him. So exciting about the bridal shower. Your little granddaughter is sweet as can be. Don't they steal your heart? I checked out the link to the clothing company and love the dresses. The prices are great, too. Thanks for sharing that, I have my eye on a couple of cute ones. Local book stores are getting rare - good to have one close by. I would never think to put pickles on a pizza, but it sounds really good! Hope you and your family have a wonderful Easter. xo Karen

Mereknits said...

Your granddaughter is just darling Jane. Hoping your husband is recovering and will soon be well. What a horrible experience for both of you. I know you love the lake house so I wish you the best in getting everything ready for it for a wonderful summer. Happy Easter.

Decor To Adore said...

Oh, your sweet little "maid" has melted my heart! Love those cute booties. I hope you had a wonderful Easter weekend. Happy Earth Day!

Debbie - Mountain Mama said...

Your granddaughter is just precious, how wonderful to spend time teaching her all the things about homekeeping you love!!

I do think Instagram has snatched up a lot of bloggers, but there are still many of us out here who still love catching up via a good blog post! Hope hubby feels better soon, and of course sweet Milo is in the same boat as my Lily girl. She's still got her appetite, but other than that she pretty much sleeps most of the day. Poor sweet girl, she doesn't even leave the lower deck to go into the garden, she does all her business on the deck or on the pads I have in her room. I'll miss her, she's been my sweetest dog ever and my companion for over 16 years....I adopted her when she was 6 months old.

Amy at Ms. Toody Goo Shoes said...

Yup, I totally agree. Instagram has really changed the blogging world. It has hurt my page, too, with readership and comments not what they used to be. But, I can't give up my blog - it's a place to tell stories with lots of photos and words, not just a handful. For now, I will continue, but like you, it has zapped my motivation. Your time with Maddie is so special - what memories you are creating! I loved the visual of you and she sitting around playing Barbies for hours! I hope your husband is helped by the infusions, and is back to feeling like himself soon.

handmade by amalia said...

I'm sticking with blogging as well. It is so much more rewarding to me than the immediacy of instagram. Where on instagram could I catch up on all your news, envy your bookshop (and the pizza!) and admire your new boots?
Amalia
xo

Curtains in My Tree said...

Oh look at cute little baby girl standing on the chair playing in the water.
I remember my girls doing that and even my little grandsons loved it also.

They do grow up so fast.

I know what you mean about not many visits on our blogs since Instagram

It's beautiful outside here Finally now the rain is setting in for a week !!!!

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

Hi Blondie! Enjoyed this post - good catching up - I have been awol for 6 months - kinda feeling same, and with grand baby (good) and health issues (bad) keeping me away, well, I missed it so much!

So I am back - trying not to beat myself up for letting Halloween, autumn, birthday, Christmas, winter decor, Easter, spring decor all pass by without a post. Just no energy or time - the desire isn't strong enough to get past those hurdles.

We did some woodwork upgrades and I so want to post about it. We will see. But I DID post yesterday a bunch of cute pics of my favorite little human.

Missed you. big hugs. ♥

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