JustHiHeels

Magic Days

2018-03-23T21:35:00.001-06:00

The magic of the good old days.

It seems like there was magic in those good old days....growing up on a farm in Iowa, my parents, my sisters, my grandparents, and with my great-grandma Perrin living a couple miles down the dusty gravel road it was good. It was great. We visited Grandma Perrin almost every Sunday night - she made the best popcorn, and us girls sat around listening to mom, dad and Grandma talk while listening to the old radio on the table in the corner of kitchen. Later on, we watched "The Waltons". Oh, I need to mention Grandma Perrin had an outhouse. Seriously. Why did I always have to go while there? I'm chalking it up to anxiety. Never failed. Seriously.

The good old days...Those summers growing up, elementary school, junior high, high school. Transferring schools from New Hartford to Aplington at the end of my sophomore year. Basketball. Softball. Volleyball. Track. School dances. Homecoming. Prom. Cruising University, cruising downtown Parkersburg, cruising New Hartford in my sisters red Monte-Carlo while listening to The Cars playing on the 8 track. Slumber parties. Dreams. Carefree.
Ahhh the good old days!

"Cause someday soon, your whole life's gonna change"

It sure did.

"I've felt some pain, I've seen some things, but I'm here now."

Someday I'll write about those years. What matters right now are these, these, are the good old days.

Please don't get me wrong...those were GOOD days...but so are the days WE/ YOU are in, right NOW!

Embrace where you are in your life, you've come so far, soak in what you've learned from those "good old days" and teach your kids, your grandkids, your friends, teach and reach out to your neighbors and help those in need.

"We've come so far, I guess I'm proud

And I ain't worried about the wrinkles around my smile

I've got some scars, I've been around

I've felt some pain, I've seen some things, but I'm here now

Those good old days."

Don't live in the past, these are the good old days. Right now.

Make a difference. BE THE DIFFERENCE.

"Good Old Days" MACKLEMORE FEATURING KESHA

Just a few thoughts on this Friday night. Have a great weekend!

Thanks for reading-

Melody

It's a great day to be alive - make it a great day!

Grandma Becker's diary entry for March 23, 1990

"Washing a bit. Breakfast at 7:40. Dorothy went by ambulance to hospital last night. Heart problems. We went to see her in P.M. Didn't try to talk to her too much. Went to see Helen and called on Floyd Wessel. and Mable Grandon. She broke her ankle and is pain. We ate at Long John Silvers and then home. both tired. Cliff and Ramona coming.

Grandma Perrin's diary entry for March 23, 1964

34 above -A.M. Cloudy, windy. Light sprinkle -P.M. Charles and family at Dorothy's for supper. Anderson's there - evening.

32 at night.

FIVE MORE MINUTES

2017-11-17T23:00:00.001-07:00

FIVE MORE MINUTES.

The clock don't stop.

The countdown is on.

Thanksgiving is less than a week away. Menus to figure out, family coming and going, football games to watch. Memories to be made. Throw in a few naps. Shopping to be done - starting Thanksgiving night and of course Black Friday. And then some.

The time rolls by, the clock don't stop.

Soon after, church Christmas bells will be ringing in the celebration of the birthday of our Saviour Jesus Christ. We'll need to find the perfect tree or haul up the artificial trees from the basement to decorate in anticipation. More shopping to be done before Christmas Eve and Day arrive, menus to figure out. Packages to be wrapped, some may attend church services and rush home to prepare for family and friends. If you love to bake you'll be creating your cookie list for those cookie/dessert trays to bring to neighbors and work. (Uh-em)
Santa Claus has a very important appointment with the littles, so there's added pressure to squeeze in time.

The time rolls by, the clock don't stop.

New Years Eve will be here before we know it. Time goes by so fast. Where are you going? Which party to attend? What are you wearing? Don't forget the dinner reservations.
We'll countdown the seconds on the clock and we'll rejoice and toast with friends and family. Say goodbye to 2017, and welcome the new baby year of 2018.

Where does the time go?

The time rolls by, the clock don't stop.

The clock doesn't stop. Time may seem to go so fast, and at times it seems like it goes at a snails pace. It feels with each day we cross off on the calendar it goes by faster and faster. Pretty sure that's my age talking though. Middle age? Yep. And you know what? I'm so, so, completely fine with that. I think at a certain age we do get reflective and have wisdom to pass along.

You know what I'm not fine with?

The time rolls by, the clock don't stop.

Time. I know, weird, right?

I want at least five more minutes with my grandparents and people who are no longer with us.

More than any time of the year, I think back and reflect during the holidays on those who are no longer with us. Those who have shaped my life and influenced who I am today. And in my prayers I thank them and hopefully I make them proud.

The time rolls by, the clock don't stop.

I'm really looking forward to hugging and visiting with my Grandma Pollock (Grandma P.) at Christmas. She is 101 years young and I'm going to take all the time I can get with her.
Oh. And my grandkids? Cannot. Wait. Hopefully I can pass along a little wisdom to them mixed in with a whole lot of fun and laughter.

And Love.

Wish we had a pause button.

With the holidays closing in, take the time you need to enjoy the moments. Take the time to visit an elderly neighbor or volunteer at the hospital. Volunteer at the animal shelter. Get involved. Make time for people in your life and the people you may have been short with.

We all have a story to tell and it's worth listening.
Take the time.

The time rolls by, the clock don't stop.

Thanks for reading,

Melody
xoxo
It's a great day to be alive-make it a great day!

Grandma Becker's entry on this day, November 17, 1990

"Weather still nice but a bit cooler. A frosty night. Gerald up late - feels about the same. A quiet day-cooked a squash - washed a load. Melody here a few min. on her way to work. Bert going to pick up Casie and Dustin and Mike going to a farm sale. Had a sandwich at McDonald's for supper".

Grandma Perrin's entry on this day, November 17, 1964

"Cool, fair, most of day Charles & Oz diseed and plowed here in N. field. I de-frosted refrig -A.M.
Bud's condition about the same. No bread man today - truck trouble. Cliff & Ramona at Bud's tonight, also Clayton to fix washer. Ramona brought my wash. A most gorgeous sunset.
God's own handiwork.
28 (degrees) at midnight

"FIVE MORE MINUTES"

SCOTTY McCREERY

You Say Witch Like Its A Bad Thing.....

2016-10-30T13:21:00.002-06:00

Happy Halloween everyone! Did you buy a costume this year? I saw a few on social media from parties this weekend and it seems like every year they get better and better! Love it! I still need to get candy for the little ghosts and goblins trick or treating. We didn't have many at all last year so I think the ones who do stop by this year should get the huge candy bars. Or a ton of little ones. I haven't decided yet. Do you dress up for work? I have in the past and it's always so weird if you need gas in your car heading to work. Oh well, I do LOVE Halloween though!

A few people have asked me about the cake I made last weekend so here's the scoop on how to make it-it is so very easy!

CANDY CORN CAKE

INGREDIENTS:

1 box white cake mix

1 box chocolate cake mix

3 containers white frosting

1 container chocolate frosting

Orange extract (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Bake chocolate cake in 8 inch round pan. Only one cake will be used so you can freeze the other or make cute little cupcakes and eat them all.

2. For the white and orange layers, prepare the white cake as directed but then divide the batter in half and tint one half orange. If using the extract, add.

3. Bake both white and orange cakes in 8 inch pan

4. For frosting take one container of white and tint orange.

5. Place chocolate cake on cake stand/plate. Smooth a think layer of chocolate frosting over.

6. Place orange layer on top and cover in thin layer of orange frosting.

7. Lastly place white cake on top and cover entire cake in crumb coat.

8. Frost entire cake based on the layers, or decorate as you wish!

Deviled Egg and Cowboy Gorilla

Deviled Egg showing her tail

Grandma P. and Grandma B.

Vampire Cabernet~I vant to drink your blood...well not really. But it's really pretty good!

Thanks for stopping by and reading my blog and happy Halloween!

Melody

xoxo

"It's a great day to be alive~make it a great day!"

Grandma Becker's entry from October 30, 1990****************************************

Grandma Perrin's entry from October 30, 1964****************************************

Fall...My Favorite Season of All! (See what I did there?) Ten Pumpkin Spiced Food Items You Need

2016-09-08T18:43:00.000-06:00

Whether or not you are ready for fall, it's on its way. Only two more weeks from today and it will be official - September 22nd at 9:21am. Are you ready for pumpkins, fall foliage (and raking leaves), football, sweaters, sweatshirts, and tailgating? I will confess that I've started decorating with my fall decor because this, my friends is my favorite season of all.

Another thing that screams "fall is here" is allllll of the pumpkin spice food that line the shelves at the grocery store.

If you haven't been out recently, I'll help you out on a few of the items that will get in the mood for Fall. (maybe?)

Pumpkin Spice Peeps. I LOVE peeps to look at, not to eat. I'll buy them for the grandkids!

Fan of yogurt? Well get your "gurt" on with this Pumkin flavor.

Ghiradelli Pumpkin Spice Caramel Squares? I'm in. People, we're talking chocolate here.

Dreyer's Slow Churned Pumpkin Patch Ice Cream. Let's get this and watch a marathon on Netflix.

I'm a huge fan of Cheerios, so bring it. #oldschool

Let's get the cereal out of the way. Frosted Mini Wheats-Pumpkin Spice? Frosted ANYTHING and I'll even run to the table.

I've never had Life cereal but I'd try it. Not sure about the packaging though. It needs a little more fall zing.

Hmmm. Planters Pumpkin Spice Almonds. Isn't there a drink that calls for almonds? Oh that's Amaretto.

Toll House Pumpkin Spice Cookie dough.
You had me at Toll House. #sold

Thomas Pumpkin Spice English Muffins? These are the best on planet Earth. I don't care who you are, you cannot deny that Thomas English Muffins have the best deep pockets for catching all of that butter you're going to slather on. Did you say something about pumpkin spice?

Hope you enjoy the first night of the "unofficial" start of fall...NFL Thursday night football!

As always, thanks for reading and if you have a favorite fall recipe, let me know!

-Melody

xoxo

It's a great day to be alive~make it a great day!

Grandma Becker's diary entry for September 8, 1990

Grandma Perrin's diary entry for September 8, 1964

All You Need Is Love

2016-06-29T20:01:00.001-06:00

Ohhh man. I love the story posted below so much. Seriously, LOVE. But first...

Maybe you already know we have three dogs. Maybe not. But, true story. 

Miss  Pippi Jackpot Judge has her own facebook page...I know, I know. Mr. Pretzel Potpie Judge does not but who knows, it may be coming.  They have been with me through difficult as well as happy times and are always my biggest cheerleaders when I walk through the door. They are purebred Chihuahuas and I just love them to bits and pieces. 

Mr. Pretzel Potpie and Miss Pippi Jackpot. 

Then, there's Oscar.

Let me tell you about our third dog, Oscar. 

Oscar

Harley Man and I adopted him from the shelter two and a half years ago when we lived in Gillette, Wyoming. He was an older dog that didn't get a lot of attention from people looking for "the one". In fact, they were ready to transfer him to a shelter that specializes in black dogs.

Who knew black dogs were hard to adopt out? I didn't. 

We also learned Oscar spent his entire 10 years

of existence living on a chain.

After visiting Oscar with Miss Pippi and Mr. Pretzel we decided to take a chance. Harley Man and I decided to bring Oscar into our blended family. 

The very first picture of Oscar leaving the shelter. His smile tells all. 

It has been the number one best decision we have ever made. Oscar "lets" Miss Pippi Jackpot Judge think she is still in charge, and has taught them both the rules of the outside world.

Like the story below, who rescued who? Oscar came into our lives when we needed each other. 

Please consider adoption. Even if you normally would think of pure bred only, a lot of times the best are tossed aside and ready to fly.

I know. 

In more ways than one. 

Please consider adopting. 

Really, watch this video. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rm0qYRWQpZI

As always, thank you for reading!

Melody

xoxo

"It's a great day to be alive~make it a great day"!

Grandma Becker's diary entry for June 29, 1990 

                                ********************************************************************************

Grandma Perrin's diary entry for June 29, 1964

Well Bless My Blooms!

2016-05-10T16:45:00.004-06:00

Step into Spring. Spring Fling. Spring is in the Air. Tiptoe Through the Tulips. Dance in Dandelions. Life in Full Bloom. Spring Fever. Spring Cleaning.

Even though it's been a drippy, dreary, and a downright dull day the flowers are in bloom, birds are chirping, and the grass is "new spring green". And the latest Justin Timberlake song is out. His first one in three years, I may add. It's uplifting, makes me smile and definitely makes me want to dance.

So...

As I was dancing around in the kitchen to the latest JT song, taking bites of rhubarb pie (moderation is key, remember), laundry, and sweeping the floors I was thinking how grateful I am to have had amazing women role models in my life.

My homemade rhubarb pie.

Back up. Let me explain. Getting back to the bites of rhubarb pie made me think of my mom. She makes the best rhubarb pie. Seriously, a couple of years ago when I was recuperating from breast cancer reconstruction surgery I think I ate a whole rhubarb pie. I had a piece of pie everyday for lunch. It was the bomb. Its so weird because growing up the only way I ate this spring tart of flavorness was raw, and with salt. My mom used to make rhubarb pies every spring. Then I started thinking about my Grandma Becker - she did too. Which reminded me of my Grandma Pollock who is turning 100 this year. July 3rd to be exact.

But getting back to eating, Grandma Pollock makes the BEST spaghetti in the entire universe. Wait. There's more. She also makes the best melt-in-your mouth sugar cookies. Oh my, and her delightful peanut butter bars are something that could be sold in a high end candy store. She used to make multiple pans for almost all of our special occasions.
Homemade, only like Grandma Pollock can make.

And you know what? Her toast was always better too.

Grandma Pollock

I'm very thankful to have and to have grown up with amazing women in my life. My Mom. My Grandma Pollock. My Grandma Becker. My Grandma Perrin. My Aunts. Of course its more than baking and more than I've written about today, much more. But sometimes it starts in the kitchen, being together, talking, laughing and learning.

Aunt Bev, Mom, Grandma Pollock, Aunt Sharon, Aunt Aud, Aunt Linda

I hope I pass along these attributes to my granddaughters that all of these amazing women taught me.

Brooklyn and Briley

Now let's finish dancing. Plus there's pie.
Spring has sprung!

Thanks for reading! I've got this feeling....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5RobDomh5U

~Melody
xoxo

It's a great day to be alive, make it a great day!

Grandma Becker's diary entry for May 10, 1990

"Light rain early. Washed hose and good skirt. Mended a small hole in good gray jacket. Cleaned utility closet. Gerald got home and helped me - He went to Aplington I baked big batch of cookies-Gerald home at 5:15. Baking biscuits and creamed chicken - rhubarb sauce for supper."

Grandma Perrin's diary entry for May 10, 1964

"Fair, mild - calm, lovely morning. Went to services, Bud and Dorothy's, Esther and Gerald's, here for dinner. They brought most of the dinner-very good (Smoked Ham) Gerald, Esther and I went to cemetery -P.M. Took flowers. Ramona and 3 children here a short time. P.M. She gave me a pretty scarf. Took two bouquets of lilacs and tulips to church."

Fifty-Two Candles

2016-04-30T18:10:00.003-06:00

Oh yes, if we are friends on social media you already know today is my birthday! If you are sick of it then maybe we shouldn't be friends. Sooo sorry. NOT! HAHA! I will never stop celebrating the day I was born.

Because you know what? I'm very, very thankful for being alive and being able to celebrate one more year being on this planet.

I am a cancer survivor.

And I LOVE LIFE.

Celebrate your own life, and let's keep celebrating because many cannot. I'm not alone, we all have family and friends or know someone that have had their life taken too soon. So celebrate each day you are here. See the sunrise. Like REALLY see the sunrise or sunset.

Knock on a neighbors door that keeps to themselves. They may need a friend. Ask the co-worker who keeps to themselves how they are doing. Say hello to people in the grocery store aisles.

Volunteer at an animal shelter and give some love to the cats and dogs that are waiting for a family to love them.

Each moment is a gift, right? Let's live it. Share it.

From our deck when Harley Man and I lived in Wyoming.

So I found a website that calculates how long you've been around-and found that I'm 365 years old. If I were a dog.

Check out your own dog years!

(The website is: http://www.howlonghaveibeenalivefor.com/1641057054)

MY RESULTS:

>1,641,057,054 seconds.

>98,463,423,240 electric jiffies.

>27,350,950 minutes.

>455,849 hours.

>18,993 days.

>52 years.

>2,713 weeks.

>1,356 fortnights.

>698 lunar months.

>624 months.

>208 quarters.

>365 dog years.

>53.60 lunar years.

>13.01 olympiads.

>10.41 lustrums (a term for a five-year period in Ancient Rome.)

>5.20 decades (WOW!)

>3.47 indictions (a fiscal period of fifteen years used as a means of dating events and transactions in the Roman Empire)

>2.00 generations.

>1.04 jubilees.

>0.52 centuries.

>0.05204 milleniums.

>0.00000022625033832969 galactic years.

>0.00000000164105705400 exaseconds. (A terasecond is 1 trillion seconds, or roughly 31,558 years)

Wishing you a fantastic night and let's eat cake. Life is too short not too!

Thanks for reading!

Melody
xoxo
"It's a great day to be alive~make it a great day!"
*********************************************************************************
Grandma Becker's diary entry for April 30, 1990

*********************************************************************************
Grandma Perrin's diary entry for April 30, 1964

What Little Boys Are Made Of....

2016-04-27T18:10:00.000-06:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

BRYCE!

My grandson, Bryce is seven today. His hugs are the best and it's music to my ears and love to my heart to hear him say "I love you, Grandma".

A little note to Bryce:

Bryce, I just want you to know that I thank God each day for you and I pray all your dreams come true. Reach for the stars you can be anything you want to be. But right now keep fishing, riding your horses, playing outside with your dogs, raising your chickens, play baseball, take swimming lessons, play flag football, have hayrides with your friends, catch frogs, play with the cats, keep the rooster off of the front porch for your mom, help with chores, and keep being the best "big brother" you can be.

I LOVE YOU BRYCE!!

Just keep being "you"!

-Love,

Grandma

xoxo

"It's a great day to be alive~make it a great day!"

Grandma Becker's diary entry for April 27, 1990

"Light rain in night-still at it at 9:30A.M. Washed load of sheets-changed bedding on west bed-put heavy things away. Baked coffee cake. Raining again. At 3 went to HyVee and Walmart. Home at 5. Brought Long John Silver fish home for supper. Alan and Marc here at 9:45. Made coffee for them and they left at 10:30. Cooler."

Grandma Perrin's diary entry for April 27, 1964

"55A.M. - 64 at noon. Partly cloudy-mid day shower late P.M. Connie here while Charles milked. Charles sold our beans today - $2.40. Bud and D. also Charles went to church board meeting, evening. Asparagus for supper, first of the season.

55 - 10P.M."

Sweet Bluebells

2016-04-26T18:55:00.000-06:00

As I was cleaning up after dinner last night I was in awe of how much the colors of spring are making their presence known. The grass is more vibrant, the leaves are budding on the trees, and there is some yellow bush across the street at the neighbors that is simply gorgeous. As I was thanking God for all of the beauty, I saw them.

Bluebells.

Great-Grandma Perrin used to have bluebells that grew wild. I remember thinking they were the most beautiful flower and I loved their name.

And now they are growing right outside of the kitchen window.

Do you have a certain flower you look forward to seeing in the spring, possibly plant or garden? I'm the lady you'll see wandering the outdoor garden sections trying to decide on which flowers to buy for the patio and front door. Hopefully the weather will decide it's spring instead of winter. What happened to the warm temps and sun?

At least I have bluebells.

Thanks for reading!

Melody

xoxo

"It's a great day to be alive~make it a great day!"

Grandma Becker's diary entry for April 26, 1990

"Still warm and windy, quite cloudy but no rain here. Hair at 9:30. In P.M. I baked chocolate chip cookies-washed afghan and red jacket-fixed port roast for supper. Gerald home at 6. Old green car on the blink! I won Scrabble and 2 games of rummy. Talked to Dorothy. Helen's back still bad."

Great-Grandma Perrin's diary entry for April 26, 1964

"Cool-mostly cloudy all day-East wind. Went to services. Home with E&G for dinner. Back to Charles's for a while early evening. Home at 9P.M. Had lunch then E&G went home. An inch of rain fell in the night with thunder storm. Bud and D. went to Marshalltown with E. Hansen's to a musical festival -P.M. G. Hansen's at Mason's - evening. Carol and Forrie's baby baptized -A.M.

Three Days

2016-04-24T20:14:00.000-06:00

THREE DAYS
....is all that separates my first born grandchild's birthday and my birthday. His is Wednesday April 27th and mine is the 30th.
I made homemade sugar cookies and decorated them with how old he will be....

and put a musical note on mine....instead of double digits. haha!

Not too bad for cutting the corner of a baggie and using as a piping tip!

Happy Birthday "week" Bryce, Grandma loves you!!

Bryce with his new tackle box and tackle.

Thanks for reading and have a great last week of April 2016!

Melody

xoxo

"It's a great day to be alive, make it a great day!"

Grandma Becker's diary entry for April 24, 1990

"Up at 6:30. Showered and got breakfast. Quite cloudy. Gerald to Beaver Valley at 8. Elda's funeral. Stopped to see Helen. She has lame back. Talked to Leota. Very humid and quite hot and windy.

Very tired and lame."

Grandma Perrin's diary entry for April 24, 1964

"48-Fair-A.M.

Pleasant all day. I planted 2 rose bushes P.M. Telephone still out of order until noon. I walked to Al's A.M. Frosted and cleaned refrig. Charles and Alberta went to C.F. A.M. Connie here evening. Senior class of N.H. left at midnight for a trip to Chicago. Grace L. one of the chaperon's. Did a little mowing, first of the season.Bud had fertilizer put on land. P.M.

44 at midnight."

Don't Let Time Get Away

2016-04-18T19:56:00.005-06:00

It's been a little while since I've last blogged, but never far from my mind. It's finding the time to sit down and write. We all have the same amount of hours in the day it just depends on how you put those hours to use. So this is going to be short and sweet.

Last summer I fell into a depression. Not going to bore you with those details, but I came across this meme today and it is exactly what I told Harley Man in December of last year:

EXACTLY!!

I felt like life was somehow spinning out of my control.

Depression is such a vicious, deep, dark, hole. Or feelings of even though you are swimming in the right direction and see land, you paddle and paddle and paddle. You might come across a buoy to hold onto every now and then to give you hope but just can't hold on.

December of last year I had enough. Although some aspects in my life I couldn't control right then and there, I started to invest in my health. I felt that even though those feelings of not being in control (in some aspects) of my life, I could control my choices in nutrition and exercise. I hadn't exercised in years but seriously, I was at my largest of largies in my clothes. And I wasn't going to buy one more size "up".

I. Was. Done.

I decided to try the 21 Day Fix which includes 30 minutes of daily exercise, portion control and drinking a fuel packed protein shake. I don't have cute work out clothes, I do have "granny shorts". (Hey....I did get them at Target-does that count? lol) I don't have cute tanks to wear with fun sayings on them, but I do have old t-shirts. I don't have cute headbands, I have your average hair tie. I don't have cute tennis shoes, although I'm due for new ones. I wore mine out in a cow pasture and they just plain and simply need replaced. What I do have works for me. With my dvd's I can workout in my own living room. With three dogs staring at me.

Have I fallen off my path and taken another once in a while? Yep. I sure have. I love pizza, pasta, lots of cheese on anything, beer, french fries, wine and Big Macs. And a lot more where all that came from.

But times have changed in the last 5 months. Now when I haven't worked out for a couple of days I look forward to getting back on track. It's been fun trying new recipes that I would never have tried before. And for the first time in a very long time I'm looking forward to summer clothing. While I might not be in a two piece I'm not going to hide behind a cover up, either. Not this year. I feel better, and am more healthy than I have been in a very long time.

...and I'm working on that!
#Goals

Well that was long winded. So much for short and sweet!! HA!
Thanks for reading and I hope you had an amazing day. And if you are thinking of trying something new and positive in your life, GO FOR IT! We all have the same amount of hours in the day. Sometimes enough is enough. Go for your goals. We have one life to live. Let's live it.

Oh, and life is way too short to give up a great glass of wine! Or bottle.

Melody
xoxo

"It's a great day to be alive~make it a great day!"

Grandma Becker's entry for April 18, 1990

"Windy and cool A.M.
Tired today so just taking it easy. Dustin here for an hour and half. Gerald had "green car" trouble but finally got it fixed. Saw Helen a short while and took some summer clothes to her. Evansdale to eat. Very good food. "500" at Jims'. Air chilly and damp. Sure feels like rain. All very tired! Too much Easter, I guess."

Grandma Perrin's entry for April 18, 1964
"Cloudy-cooler-A.M.
60 at noon. I worked outside part of the day. Charles finished hauling fertilizer here. Alberta went to C.F. A.M.
N.W. wind most of day.
Mr. Drenner still at Cliffs.
Charles and family, M. Koop and family had dinner (evening) at Hickory Inn honoring the ladies birthdays.
40 in the evening."

Gary and Craig. List.

2016-03-05T19:23:00.001-07:00

Alright, who around here is a seamstress? Who are my peeps that sew for fun? Anyone? Who are the ones that can sew a hem? A button? Ok, who buys the hemming tape? Or, who has hemmed their pants/suit jackets with safety pins? <<<asking this last question for a "friend".

Lately I've been wanting to learn the art of crocheting and on a more immediate level to start a few projects that would require a sewing machine. Yep. I know. Unbelievable in my mind. I tried to shake it off. I tried to put it out of my mind. It wouldn't leave. Seriously, I still have a "quick sew" dress from 1981 that I haven't finished. It may now be back in style.

Well, after scouring facebook sale groups, ebay, flea markets, flea stores, and the like I finally found one on Craigslist. Right. I know. We're talking I might be kidnapped and held for ransom for days if I went by myself to look at a 1960's sewing machine.

I mean, the seller's name was Gary. It wasn't Geraldine. So I enlisted Harley Man to go with. He was really, really happy to go look at a vintage sewing machine we knew nothing about.

Turned out, Gary was really nice. I knew he would be. The sewing machine he was selling belonged to his aging mother who has dementia. Is it odd that I really, really wanted the sewing machine more than ever? It was a one owner, and in my heart I felt like she spent alot of hours using it. I mean, I can't be sure but it looked like she cared about it and it even had the original manual and a few accessories with it. It felt right.

We bought it. Gary even came down $5.00. I think it was a steal at $50.00, and it has a cabinet. We should invite Gary over for the holidays.

Well, the reason why I wanted a sewing machine in the first place was to make bandanna's for the two Amigos and Oscar. Since Oscar goes to "work" everyday at the Walworth County Fairgrounds he needs to be in style. Some people may dispute this. Ahem....Harley Man. But, Oscar loves to greet people and chase the occasional squirrel in his official position, First Impressions.

The bandanna's I've created with my awesome 1960's art deco sewing machine we don't have to worry about coming untied, or having Oscar get "hung up" on something. His collar fits through it, eliminating the huge and tight knot thus eliminating the worry on our part of any accidents.

He's set for right now...except for Easter. He'll be in style for St. Patrick's Day, and ready to woof it up for the Brewers and Packers as well!

Oops. We need to turn the bandanna around!

Handsome fella.

St. Patrick's Day, Superman, Hawkeye colors, Milwaukee Brewers, and Green Bay Packers.

SUPERDOG!!!!

Ya, I know. I like sparkles. Him, maybe not.

Now on to sew some miniature bandannas for the two Amigos. And I don't even need to use safety pins or hemming tape! Wait...that was for a friend.

Next will be blankets for my grand babies once the practicing is over!

Have a wonderful weekend! Can't wait to share some news with you on Monday.

Melody

xoxo

It's a great day to be alive~make it a great day!

Grandma Becker's entry for March 5, 1990
"Another warm day-light wind and partly cloudy. Washed several loads. Did some mending. Called Naomi. East wind. Seven Cardinals in our yard. 2 Blue jays. Lots of Robins and black birds. Some cooler by night. Listened to Billy Graham in Little Rock".

Grandma Perrin's entry for March 5, 1964
"27 above -A.M. Cold N.E. wind and cloudy all day. Went to Cedar Falls, A.M. with Charles and Alberta and to Dr. Huston. Esther was with me, Charles and Alberta, went to Waterloo. Home at 2:30P.M. Went with Bud and D. to hear a tape recording of John Griffens, author of "Black Like Me" given by Rev. Considone as the church at 7:30P.M. 16 present. Jim Anderson's father passed away. 27 above zero-11P.M. Windy".

Boil the shicken out of it. I just wanted to say that again. Haha!

2016-01-27T20:46:00.001-07:00

Confession time!

Until tonight I have never made chicken stock the correct way. But is there a right way and a wrong way? Yes, take it from me. Until tonight whenever I have made homemade chicken noodle soup I put the ol' bare naked chicken and drown it in water. Then boil the shicken out of it. Once it was done, I took the meat off of the carcass and threw everything back in the pot of water with a little bit of chicken juice. And added boat load of chicken bouillon.

Enter Harley Man. A few weeks ago he made homemade chicken noodle soup. And the broth was soo good and I decided to make his recipe for stock.

On a side note, he's been fighting off some super human infecting bug that causes him too be really tired and cough and sneeze. Enter the cold and flu season. Poor Harley Man. I did pick up Mucinex today and this evening I made him my homemade chicken noodle soup. Not my creamy dreamy version, just the good old fashioned brothy kind. Anyway, getting back to the stock.

Ok, if you are reading this and already know the scrumptious way to make stock you can stop. Right now. Because I'm going to go on and tell the rest of the peeps allll about it.

Get yourself some carrots, an onion, a few stalks of stringy celery, thyme and basil leaves. Put the naked chicken (don't forget to take out the the gizzies) in a stock pot and put in the chopped veggies. Add enough enough water to barely cover the chicken. Hey, no need to chop the vegetables really little. Don't go all veggiematic on me. You don't even need to peel the carrots, if you don't want. Just make sure everything is washed.

Next, boil the chicken until it's done and strain the veggies putting the golden deliciousness back in the stock pot.

I have to tell you, I didn't even use one bouillon cube for help in the flavor department.

Now hoping my homemade soup helps Harley Man.

Veggies for soup-not stock.

Did you know this is the way to make delicious chicken stock?

P.S. Harley Man thought it was the best soup ever. He might have a fever though. haha! No really, he is taking his meds.

~Melody
xoxo
It's a great day to be alive~make it a great day!

Apparently she only needs Whisky when sick. Hmmm...

Grandma Becker's diary entry for January 27, 1990
"20 and sunshine, and cloudy by 9:30. Cleaned oven, washed a couple loads. Then we made 2 batches of caramel corn. Then we had dishes. Sun this P.M. but very windy from N.W. No special mail. Watched Purdue beat Iowa all to pieces! HyVee groceries late P.M."

Grandma Perrin's diary entry for January 27, 1964
"Colder-strong west wind shifting to Northerly. Zero at noon. Defrosted and cleaned refrig.-P.M. Charles, Alberta and Connie at Mason's - evening."

Sunshine in a Bottle. A Few Products I Love.

2016-01-17T14:34:00.001-07:00

Brrrrr it's freezing here today! The sun has been shining all day but it's so deceiving. But on another note, my Sunday morning was pretty productive. Laundry (check) and my workout (check) were the two things on my "must do" list. Settling in to watch a little football and probably spending countless hours on Pinterest for the rest of the afternoon. Although I'm flirting with the idea of baking.

But first I thought I'd share a couple of things I have been LOVING.

This time of the year I always need a little pick me up in the sunshine department...I always feel a bit better about myself not looking so pale and pasty. Ok, so back to what I've been loving. My sister DeAnn gave me SUNSHINE IN A BOTTLE for Christmas. It's Foaming Sunless Tan from Rodan+Fields. I started using it last week and I LOVE it! I've never used a self tanner before and this is the bomb dot com. I did want to order some last year and try it, but it is always sold out so fast. Anyway, you guys, I love it. Do yourself a favor and order today. Before it's sold out. It's kind of nice to tell old man winter he's gotta try a little bit harder to take that spring away from my step!

If you do want to order you can find DeAnn on facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007403988536&fref=ts or her website is https://deannjohnson.myrandf.com/Shop/Product/AAAC010.

My sunshine in a bottle.

Another love I've discovered is ipsy. For $10 a month you are sent make up and beauty products tailored to your answers from a quick online questionnaire. Each month you are sent 5 different samples in a really cute bag. Make up is so expensive and I hate wasting money on products I'll never use. So this makes sense. If you like what they send you that's great and if not, you're not out alot of $$$. Plus did I mention the adorable bag that comes with? This is what was in my ipsy bag this month: pur-lisse Blue Lotus eye serum, Mitchell and Peach Body Cream, a makeup brush, Mr. Write (Now) eye liner, and marsk eye shadow. I can't wait to try them!

2nd month

Last month my adorable bag consisted of Bombshell eyeliner, it Cosmetics Hello Lashes mascara, Power of Love lipstick, and So Nude perfume. If interested here is the link: https://www.ipsy.com/

1st month

It's a great way to try beauty products without breaking the bank! And I have a feeling my granddaughters Brooklyn and Briley will love the bags and few things inside. It's a win!

Have a great day everyone!

Melody
xoxo
It's a great day to be alive~make it a great day!

Grandma Becker's entry for January 17, 1990
"Still dark and dreary but no fog here. There is in many places - light rain in night, warm. Gerald left at 8 to go to Aplington with truck load. Back by noon. Dustin here 9:30 to 11. Cute little guy! Melody had an interview at another store. Went to Aldi's and HyVee. At 6 to Hudson House. "Eve" (?) here first time since Dec. 19. "Boys" won all 3 games. Ardith and Judy here too. All of us tired, I guess. Mike and Melody - new black car."

Grandma Perrin's entry for January 17, 1964
"30 above zero A.M. Partly cloudy. Sunny at noon. Cracked 1 lb pecans, shelled popcorn. Charles and Alberta went to hospital, evening.
I wrote to Alan.
Charles hauled fertilizer at home A.M.
Delbert Tousley died suddenly of heart attack.
30 above zero at midnight."

Thank God I Remembered My Eyebrows

2016-01-13T19:03:00.002-07:00

Yes, so my eyebrows are really light and I fill them. There may be two instances I have forgotten too, and ohhh mah goodness. It looks like I need eyebrow Rogaine. 1/2 there, 1/2 not. But wait, really they are just very light.

Thank God it wasn't what I forgot this morning.

My ritual is too ALWAYS put my lipstick on while I'm driving out of the driveway. Not sure why, maybe it's just a few neurons firing away telling me to get it done. I reached in my side pocket of my three year old purse (I know...I try to be a purse person, but I'm not) and it. was. not. there. PANIC. I really, really, really need lip color. So I looked at myself in the mirror just WONDERING if I could get away with it. Yeah, no.

Then I realized gosh, something else looks a little off. Like more than normal.

I forgot to apply blush. Great.

Now in the mornings there is a routine in which I spackle. But not this morning, I remembered Mr. Pretzel Potpie was doing his twisty turnies and low barking. He needed a Beggin' Strip for (probably) something Miss Pippi did.

So he goofed up my routine. The goof. Ugh.

Walgreens was my best friend today and was in and out of there within 20 minutes. Which was deadly fast shopping for make up.

When I got in the car I promptly unwrapped them both. Lipstick on first since the wrapping was the easiest to pry off. Then the blush. Now one of the reasons why I bought this particular blush is because of the teeny tiny barbie sized brush that came with it. Not sure about you but makeup brushes didn't come as an accessory on my car. Like cruise control. But that's another story. As soon as I opened the case, the teeny tiny barbie sized brush dropped between my seat and console.

I now have a fabric seat burn (hazards of a non-leather seat) on the topside of my hand. But I got the little thing.

My whole point is if you are looking for a lip gloss that isn't grainy or sticky check out Maybelline Color Elixir/ColorSensational. (That's what the bottom says). I bought 505 Blushing Petal. It's not bad!

I actually liked the blush as well, made by Wet 'n Wild. It doesn't say what color or anything else but the ingredients. But I hate the brush.

But love Walgreens!

And I really wish I had awesome eyebrows.

Melody
xoxo
It's a great day to be alive~make it a great day!

No entry for Grandma Becker on January 13, 1990

Grandma Perrin's entry on January 13, 1964
"10 below zero - A.M. Sunny and calm. Bud went to Allison to Farm Bureau breakfast. Assessor here, A.M. Charles and Alberta went to Sartori Hospital, evening, to see Mrs. P., who had surgery this AM.
7 above at 10:30 P.M."

Cheesesteaks - a Healthy Way

2016-01-10T18:38:00.000-07:00

I love a red carpet night. It's tradition while watching this (Golden Globes) red carpet I make my homemade lasagna. Then, during the Golden Globes I enjoy a glass or two (whatever....probably 3) of Cabernet, a big slice of lasagna and garlic bread. I'm not sure why, but cold weather+comfort food+red carpet+red wine+awards shows=a great night for me.

But.....
Not tonight. My tradition is broke. Well, it's all going on except the part about the lasagna [insert sad face]. On the other hand...I made a new dish [insert happy face]. With CHEESE. WINNING! It's a healthy version on one of my very, very favorite sandwiches from my favorite city in the USA. I've been looking for 21 Day Fix approved recipes and this is what I came up with.

Healthy Philly Cheesesteak

2 large green bell peppers
2 T olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
steak, thinly sliced
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 slices Provolone cheese

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and spray an 8x8 baking dish, set aside. (I used a loaf pan)
Bring a pot of water to a boil.
Slice green peppers in half, remove seeds and ribs and place them int he boiling water for 3-5 minutes until they are tender. Remove peppers from the water (be careful!!) Place cut side down on a towel and let water drain. (YES, DRAIN THEM)
In a 12" skillet, heat olive oil on medium. Add garlic, onion, red bell pepper, & pepper. Saute 4-5 minutes until onions are translucent.
Add steak slices and Worcestershire sauce and cook until meat is cooked to your liking.
Place green peppers open side up in your baking dish. Fill each pepper with 1/2 slice of Provolone and the with meat mixture until they are overflowing. Top with other 1/2 of the cheese.
Bake in oven for 10 minutes until cheese is golden brown.
EAT

Enjoy! Make it your own if you like mushrooms, add them. I didn't add any greek yogurt (healthy) or sour cream (oh yes) but that would totally top it off.

Hope you like the healthy version of the Philly Cheesesteak!

Thank you for reading!

Melody

xoxo

It's a great day to be alive, make it a great day!

No entry for Grandma Becker on this date in 1990

Grandma Perrin's entry on January 10, 1964

"10 below zero - A.M. Partly cloudy thru day. Went to P'burg with Bud and D. They went for groceries and went to Dr. Rolfs for check up. A.M. Alberta went to dentist. Dorothy went to hair dresser P.M. Alberta went to C.F. to wedding - evening.

10 above zero - 11 P.M."

One of My Largest Fears Revealed. Bonus Reading: 1964 & the Bread Man

2016-01-07T20:15:00.000-07:00

Have you ever felt like you were a half a step behind your self? If that even make sense. That was me today! Right off the bat this morning in the shower the largest bottle of conditioner known to mankind slipped out of my hands. And while making my ShakeO a banana slipped out of my hand and fell to the floor. Whether it was dropping things or whatever...I just felt....a half step behind. Allll day.

Oh. This happened:

A quick trip occurred to Bath and Body over my lunch break. I was super bummed to find out my favorite lotion is being discontinued. Darn it. So I started looking for another scent. Well I just can't walk passed the Wall of Candles and not stop....and this always happens - of course I had to do the smell test to a few hundred. Well shoot, it was probably 5. I wanted to smell a hundred but remember I was in a hurry. After a couple of those yummy candles jumped in my tote bag I skirted over to the Wall of Lotions. Remember I was on my lunch break. Ahhh....sooo many lotions. So little time. I found a label I was drawn too and...

.....popped the top open of "Pink Chiffon" and out squirted lotion RIGHT BETWEEN MY NOSE AND UPPER LIP.

At that exact moment a sales clerk came over and asked me if I needed help.

Yes. Yes, I do. All of the time.

After work I was super hungry and did NOT want to work out. I whined to Harley Man a few times and even to the three amigos, Miss Pippi, Mr. Pretzel and Oscar. They didn't care. I was trying so hard to let outside forces control how my night was going to go. Sometimes they win. Tonight they didn't. I got my 30 minutes of Pilates done and I am so dang happy. Treated myself to a lovely aromatherapy bubble bath. Oh yes, I did light one of my new candles and used my "Pink Chiffon" bubble bath and lotion I bought from the very caring sales clerk (who did offer me a Kleenex).

See my smile? I was after I got up from the floor. Pilates done!

Oscar was my cheerleader tonight.

Perfect.

Oh one more thing. Have you ever tried or heard of "Blood Oranges"? Oh my gosh where have I been for the last 51 years on this beautiful Earth of ours? I mean I haven't been abducted and probed by aliens (one of my very largest fears, by the way) that I know of. I bought a bag and tried one for the first time. They're my new jam.

Sesame Street approves of Blood Oranges. So do I.

Have a super Thursday night and watch out for Aliens.

Melody

xoxo

It's a great day to be alive~make it a great day!

No journal entry for Grandma Becker on January 7, 1990

Grandma Perrin's entry for January 7, 1964

"22 above at 3A.M. Partly cloudy most of day. Bud and D. went to Romana's late P.M. Stopped and had lunch with Esther. Our bread man back on route with help. I wrote a few more notes. Esther went to foot Dr. - A.M. Chas. and Alb. visited Friends in C.F. in evening."

Toes, Zippers and Sales

2016-01-04T19:04:00.001-07:00

How was your Monday? I was ready to get back to work after the long weekend.

Wait. I know I didn't say that in my outside voice. But it's true. I wrote it down. I was ready to get back to work today and kick the new year off with a fantastic start.

Things were going well this morning right out of the starting gate. No dogs threw up in the middle of the night, I didn't step on anything mushy or stinky, Miss Pippi Jackpot didn't try her little legs out and imagine she was a greyhound. Nope, none of them ran away. (Mr Pretzel wouldn't run away before getting a treat just so you know). Things were really looking up. The sun was starting to make its presence known and I even had an outfit picked out ahead of time.

Which is all good since I usually change on average 4 times.

Anyway, I started to get dressed. I didn't get very far. When I started to put on my underwear my big toe got caught and tangled up in them. Yes, I said my big toe was tangled in my underwear. Yep.

I fell.

And twisted my ankle.

So much for 2016 starting off on the right foot!

Has your big toe ever tangled you up? I can't be the only one!

It continues. Just wait.

So later this afternoon I called upon a client I had yet to meet. I'd been there before but never connected with the right person. Until today. Yay! She was there and had time to chat. Well, she had on a really sharp looking blazer and I noticed (when she turned to make a copy of a script) the back of it zipped up. Now I love myself some zippers, grommets, bows, really anything that adds extra "personality" to clothing or shoes. That's when I blurted IN MY OUTSIDE VOICE that I am a FREAK for zippers. She stopped and turned around s l o w l y and smiled. I explained I'm really not that "freaky freaky". And when that didn't come out right I said I'm "not really freaky at all. I just like zippers." I just shook my head and said I liked her blazer. Then I started worrying are they really called blazers? It wasn't a boyfriend blazer. I think it was just a normal blazer. My retail background needs some brushing up.

Getting back to my story, I did make the sale. And I still like her zipper blazer.

When I was leaving the office I actually waved and said goodbye, and she waved back and told me goodbye as well.
Yay Me!

Maybe she didn't think I was really THAT freaky. I'm sure she did.

Admit it, when was the last time you heard Rick James "Super Freak"? I know it's on your mind now!

How was your day? Hope it rocked and the first Monday of 2016 treated you right and not freaky!

Melody
It's a great day to be alive, make it a great day!
xoxo

{No entry for Grandma Becker on this day in 1990}

Grandma Perrin's diary entry on January 4, 1964
"Fair and mild all day. 45 above zero mid-P.M. Didn't do anything special. (Tired) Alan & Mario went back to Ames - P.M. to resume classes Jan.6.
Snow about gone. Early Jan. thaw. Gordon's at Gerald's - evening. Bud & D. went to Grundy Center P.M. to shop then to Ramona's.
Pollock's back from Neb. in night."

12 Days My Way

2015-12-27T17:55:00.002-07:00

Late Christmas night as the hubs and I were pulling into the driveway after the drive home from Iowa he asked me if there was anything I'd like to do this weekend.

My only reply was to not bake.

I love, love, love to bake and cook but after making over 400 cookies (and a couple of burns on my hand) I was ready to hang up the apron. For a day, anyway. Actually two. After showering and spackling (I did put on a little makeup) today I put on my new pj's, robe and slippers. (Thank you Harley Man) It's been a Netflix and laundry day, enjoying the quiet and overcast sky from the couch.

Each year I plan out which cookies I would like to make for the cookie trays, trying to add a new cookie to the usual bunch. This year my "new cookie" was Glazed Lemon Sugar Cookies. Anyway getting back to the planning stage I've seen those cute "12 Days of Cookies" calendars pop up on my facebook page. And before facebook it was always in Good Housekeeping or some food magazine. I used to buy a few holiday issues of whatever magazine was at the checkout aisle looking for my new holiday recipe. And each year I plan on doing just that - trying out that philosophy. Making one cookie per day for 12 days.

I never do. I end up cramming and making up to 5 different kinds in one day, thus spending one looong day in the kitchen and not getting anything else done but having a sore back for a couple of days after.

Next year I really, really plan on trying the 12 days deal. I have a whole year to plan.

I thought I'd share the cookies I made as well as the recipes. A few people have asked me for them so here ya go!

My 12 days of cookies.

1. Grandma Becker's Angel Crisps
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. sugar
1 c. margerine
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. flour
1 tsp. cream of tartar
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
Mix the first 5 ingredients, then sift in the last four. Form into small balls, dip in water and then dip in sugar. Press down in the center lightly with your thumb, bake at 425 for 8-10 minutes. (ungreased cookie sheet)

2. Chocolate Crinkles
1 c. unsweetened coca powder
2 cups sugar
1/2 c. vegetable oil
4 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 powdered sugar
Mix the cocoa, sugar and vegetable oil. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir into the cocoa mixture. Cover dough and chill for at least 4 hours. Roll dough into balls, and coat each one in powdered sugar, then place on cookie sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes at 350 and let cool for a minute before transferring them to your wire rack.

3. Molasses Cookies

Melt and cool 3/4 cup shortening. Add 1 cup sugar, 1 egg and 1/4 cup molasses. Mix well. Then sift 2 cups flour, 2 tsp. baking soda, 1/4 tsp cloves, 1/2 tsp. ginger, 1 tsp. cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp salt together. Mix all ingredients together and chill. Make into balls and roll in sugar. Place on greased cookie sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes at 375.

4. Chocolate Star Cookies ( I used kisses since I couldn't find stars)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup shortening
1 egg
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 Tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 3/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
Chocolate Stars or kisses
Cream sugars and shortening, add egg and remaining ingredients. Form into balls, roll in sugar and bake at 375 for 8-10 minutes. Press star in middle of cookie when out of the oven and cool.

5. Sugar Cookies
1 cup butter
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
Mix butter and sugar until creamy. Add egg and vanilla, beat, then add dry ingredients. Roll dough to desired thickness and bake at 350 until edges just turn brown about 10-12 minutes.

6. Spritz Cookies
1 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
2 1/4 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1/4 teaspoon almond or vanilla extract.
Heat oven to 400. Beat butter and sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed, or mix with spoon. Stir in flour, salt, egg, almond extract and a few drops of food color if desired. Place dough in cookie press. Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake 5-8 minutes.

7. Caramel M&M Bars
1 1/2 cup butter
1 1/2 cup brown sugar
2 cups oatmeal
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
Mix together and bake 2/3 of batter at 350 for about 10 minutes. (greased pan)
Melt one package of caramels, 4 Tablespoons of margerine and 4 Tablespoons of milk.
Pour the melted mixture over the baked batter then spinkle with 1 1/2 cups M&Ms. Put remaining batter on top of the melted mixture. (patching together) Bake 10 more minutes at 350.

8. M&M Cookies
You know the drill. Toll House recipe, substituting candy for the chocolate chips.

9. Glazed Lemon Sugar Cookies
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 egg
1 Tbsp lemon zest
1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 cups flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
Preheat oven to 350. Cream butter and sugar. Beat in vanilla, egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Slowly add flour, baking powder, soda, and salt. Stir well to combine. Use a cookie scoop or roll into balls, then rollin powdered sugar. Place on lightly greased baking sheets. Bake at 350 for 9-11 minutes or till set and crackly. After a couple of minutes move to racks to cool completely. For the glaze, heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of water in microwave for 30 seconds. Slowly add 3/4 cup powdered sugar until desired consistency forms. Drizzle over cookies.

10. Cashew Crunch (I mean Cashew Crack)
Combine 1 cup sugar, 1 cup of butter and 1 tablespoon corn syrup in a heavy saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until butter is melted and mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low, cook, stirring occasionally until candy thermometer reaches 310. Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cup cashews. Pour on prepared pan and cool completely.

11. Thumbprint Cookies
1 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla
Cream these ingredients, then add a pinch of salt and 2 cups of flour. Roll into balls and dip in egg whites and pecans pieces or pulsed pecans. Press down the middle with your thumb. Bake at 350 until done and when cooled, put a dollop of frosting or jam in the middle. Let set.

12. Peanut Butter Balls
2 cups Rice Krispies
2 cups peanut butter

4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup soft margarine
12 oz. package chocolate chips
Mix first four ingredients, form into small balls and refrigerate for at least an hour. Melt chips in double boiler and using a toothpick or a spoon dip the balls into the chocolate. I usually put them on waxed paper on a baking sheet in the fridge to cool and set the chocolate.

13. BONUS: Raspberry Sweet Rolls
This is really easy - using your cinnamon roll recipe substitute the filling with:
1/2 cup softened butter
1/2 cup light brown sugar
3 1/2 cups sugar
Zest of 1 large lemon
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch.
Spread dough evenly with softened butter and brown sugar. In a medium bowl, carefully stir together the frozen raspberries, granulated sugar, lemon zest, and cornstarch. Sprinkle the raspberry mixture over the dough. Finish like normal.

I hope you had a beautiful Christmas. With that being said, I know it's really hard as well. We miss those loved ones that have passed on. Keep their light shining within you and those memories close.

Remember: from today (December 27th) there are only 363 days until Christmas 2016. Start planning your baking now. HAHAHA!
http://www.xmasclock.com/

Thanks for reading-
Melody
xoxo

Grandma Becker's entry for December 27, 1990
Hair at 9:30 - then Gerald went to Aplington. Home at 6. Robert called and wanted us to go for lunch at noon but couldn't. Very tired today-legs are bad. More leftovers for supper but still taste good.

Great Grandma Perrin's entry for December 27, 1964
Fair and pleasant - A.M. A little below zero. Didn't get to services. Dorothy went to hospital. P.M. with Alan and Ramona's. I went to Alberta's at 5P.M. - was there until 9-had supper. Then came to Dorothy's. Bud about the same. Austin Farrington (Lottie's husband) passed away. 22 degrees mid-P.M.

pssst....hey kid, you gonna eat that candy?

2015-11-01T18:08:00.001-07:00

It's ok to go CRAZY. Let me explain.

But first things first. Now that the official candy holiday is over, do you have a ton of it left over? Maybe you live in a neighborhood that has a ton of kiddos and planned just right. We had 4 trick or treaters which I was pretty excited about since we are new to the 'hood, and live on a dead end street. Thank goodness we picked up candy "just in case".

Anyway I thought I'd share this great recipe called "Crazy Bark" from Pioneer Woman. It's fantastic because you can add pretty much any candy and kids will love to help make it! And everyone will love to help eat it.

It's so simple to make. Start by melting a package of white almond bark in a double boiler. Or if you have the magic touch use a microwave-I don't so hence the double boiler. Anyway line a baking sheet with a single layer of chocolate graham crackers and when the bark is done melting spread over the crackers. This is the fun part-sprinkle the top with different candies, firmly pushing down the larger pieces as you go along. Then put it in the fridge to cool down and set.
I used crushed oreos and M&M's the first time I made it and called it good. Plus I forgot to pick up the peanuts and pretzels.

First batch of "Crazy Bark"

The second time making it I made sure and had an actual list when I went to the grocery store. Which included the peanuts and pretzels. I also added gummy bears and sour gummy worms and this is the batch I mailed to Bryce, Brooklyn and Briley in their Halloween package.

Crazy Bark is crazy fun to make and crazy good. If you like candy.
Speaking of that, gotta go. It freezes well and sounds really good.

Thanks for reading, have a super week! Can't believe it's already November. It's officially baking season! Yay!

It's a great day to be alive~make it a great day!

Melody
xoxo

Grandma Becker's post from November 1, 1990
"Still warm, quite windy. Cleaned stove top and oven-made apple pie - put in freezer. Baked apples for supper - made macaroni & cheese - Eva called. Helen called. Gerald to Apl. was stopping in P'burg for a haircut. Home at 5:20.

Tatas, Tutus & Ribbons

2015-10-31T21:39:00.000-06:00

Pink Pink Pink Pink Pink

everywhere

Pink is one of my favorite colors. Then we flip the calendar to October and pink takes on a whole new meaning. Pink = Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

I don't need to explain any further.
We've all seen the slogans:

A feel a day keeps the doctor away.
Big or Small, Save them all.
Big Or Small, Let’s Save Them All.
Boobs, Sweat and Tears
Boobs: They could use your support.
Boobs: They Need Your Support!
Breast Cancer Is Crusin’ For A Bruisin.
Breast In Show.
Breast Power.
Check Your Bumps for Lumps.
Don't Be a Boob. Save One Instead.
Don’t Let Breast Cancer Steal Second Base.
Fasten Your Pink Ribbon.
Feed your faith and your fears will starve to death.
Feel For Lumps. Save Your Bumps.
Fight Like A Girl.
Fight Strong.
Fight the Fight, Find the Cure.
Finding the cure starts with hope.
For Guys, Every Month Is Breast Awareness Month.
Get Your Pink On.
Ghosts and Goblins don’t scare me, I survived breast cancer.
Give cancer the Boot.
Got Pink?
Hope, Strength, Love.
I Pink I Can!
I’m Here For the Boobies.
Keep the Lumps Out of Your Cups.
Pink Power.
Pinky Swear to Beat Breast Cancer.
Positively Pink.
Put Your Breast Foot Forward.
Ready, Set, Go Pink.
Real Men Wear Pink for the Cure.
Save A Life, Grope Your Wife.
Save a Rack.
Save Second Base.
Save the Boobies.
Save the Hooters.
Save the Tatas.
Show you care, be aware.
Thanks For the Mammories.
The Breast Is Yet To Come.
These Boobs Were Made For Walkin’.
Think Pink!
Together We Can Make A Difference.
Turn Up the Pink.
Walkin my buns off for boobs.

Right? I'm sure there are others that I've missed. While I am grateful there is focus on breast cancer, did you know that October is also:

Celiac Disease Awareness Month

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Down Syndrome Awareness Month

National Spina Bifida Awareness Month

National Substance Abuse Prevention Month

National Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Awareness Month

I started this post the first week in October and it's taken me this long to finish. There is so much focus on breast cancer in this month other serious issues and diseases seem to get lost. They deserve attention as well.

I have so much more to say but it really comes down to this: Get a mammogram. Get it as soon as possible. Early detection is critical.

Get it done.

Before going into surgery...the last one for reconstruction.

TRUE STORY.

Oh, by the way October is also National Toilet Tank Repair Month.

For more information on all of the monthly happenings check out http://www.brownielocks.com/

It's a great day to be alive~make it a great day!

Melody

xoxo

A Little Trashy

2015-09-25T20:38:00.000-06:00

Dinner.

We've been grilling alot lately. Combination of beautiful evenings and moving. Grilling means less mess in the kitchen.

Our kitchen is already a mess amidst the unpacking.

Wheeell let me clarify. There is no "we" in grilling. Harley Man is the head of that department. He actually enjoys grilling year-round, and when you live in the midwest that may be challenging. Especially in the middle of winter and you have a hankering for a steak. Grilled.

Hold on, I may have a picture of Harley Man grilling in the middle of winter...

Oh, I do!

This went down in February.

Today I was in the mood to try out the oven in our "new" house and started to look for recipes and came across "Doritos Chicken Casserole" from "Buns In My Oven" -http://www.bunsinmyoven.com/. Off to the store I went!

It was easy and quite tasty. A little trashy as well but since I had a glass of wine with dinner I thought it might class it up just a bit. HAHA!!

You should try it, especially if you have hungry high school kids! Or know anyone hungry. They'll like it.

Doritos Chicken Casserole

1 Bag Nacho Cheese Doritos (11 oz)
2 Cups Shredded Cooked Chicken
1 Can Cream of Chicken Soup
1 Cup Sour Cream
8 oz. Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 Can Ro*Tel w/Chiles
1 teaspoon Cumin
1 teaspoon Chili Powder
Pico de Gallo

Preheat oven to 500. NO I'M JUST KIDDING. Heat it to 350.
Stir together the chicken, soup, sour cream and half of the cheese, Ro*Tel, cumin and chili powder. Crush the Doritos (this is the best part if you have kids, have them do the crushing) and put 1/2 of the bag in the bottom of a 9x13 pan. Top this with the chick mixture and then layer that with the other 1/2 of bag of crushed Doritos. Top this with the rest of the cheese.

Bake for 20 minutes and sprinkle with the Pico de Gallo.

Dinner is served!

(I will mention that I did add more chili powder and also added red pepper flakes as well. I like it a little spicy).

Don't forget the wine.

We had dinner outside amidst the falling leaves (romantic) and the neighbor power washing his driveway (not romantic). After 10 minutes of listening to that we went inside. haha

A picture of Oscar. Just because he's pretty lovable.

Have a great weekend, and thanks for reading!

Melody

xoxo

It's a great day to be alive~make it a great day!

Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall!

2015-09-18T16:24:00.000-06:00

It's football season which must mean fall, right? Right. No, wrong. According to the calendar the autumnal equinox falls on September 23 at 4:21 A.M. (ET). Let's not get technical. Labor Day is over. That is the last official weekend of summer, right? School is back in session and I've started seeing all of the high school homecoming pictures showing up on my facebook timeline. By the way, love them! I love seeing all of those monumental pics...first day of school, homecoming, prom, graduation and everything in between. Ok I've gotten off track. Back on track now, as it just has to be fall, all of the county fairs in the mid-west are over. Almost-don't jump the gun. The National Cattle Congress fair opened Thursday (Sept. 17) and runs through Sunday (Sept. 20).

So, the reason we moved to Wisconsin is Harley Man accepted the position of General Manager for the Walworth County Fair. And what a fair it is! Everyone that we talked to during the 6 days it ran were welcoming and so proud of "their" fair. Many spoke about the many generations in their family that have showed livestock at the fair. People shared their tradition of taking a week off of work to attend "their" fair. Quite a few family reunions happened as well, coming early when the gates opened and leaving as those gates closed for the evening. The barns were full, the quilts were hung with caring hands, the carnival was in full swing, the food stands were oh-so-good. One thing that I found unusual about this county fair is that it does not serve alcohol. You did read that right. No alcohol. No booze.

And I loved it.

It was the most wholesome, family friendly county fair ever. The concerts were packed, the stands for the truck pulls and bull riding were full, the monster truck show was bursting with people. I didn't hear of one complaint that beer was not available. Do I think there are people that would have loved to have a few drinks during the concerts and other events? Sure. But they still came and had a great time.

Anyway. I didn't mean to go on and on about it being alcohol free, but darn it, it's a rarity at county fairs as that is a viable source of revenue.

You know what else those county fairs count on? You. Us. Families. Get out to your own county fair and support the local talent in the home ec building, ag building, the animal shows, the 4-H kids, and all the events in between. They count on us to come to the fair and have fun, spend some money on the food and souvenirs. Do it so they don't go away, so they are not just a memory to tell and retell our grandchildren. Let them live that dream, to see the big carnival rides and lights through a child's eyes. To have them walk through the barns, smell the "smells" see and hear the goats, pigs, chickens, horses, cattle, the rabbits, and enjoy creating those smiles and memories.

If you live in the Waterloo, IA area, get out there and enjoy the 105th National Cattle Congress. And bring the kids, don't forget to eat at the Noodle Nook and grab those mini donuts.

Here are a few pictures I took as I ate my way through the 166th Walworth County Fair. Already planning for next year, and I think I'm going to be entering of few of the categories! Yay!

They said to try the cinnamon rolls. Had too. There's a line of people to buy them on closing day.

Thought I'd try something healthy like a malt. After all, it has milk and it was hot as blazes out.

They said you have to try the eggrolls. I'll be trying them again next year.

Little fried yellow blobs of golden Wisconsin cheese. I love cheese.

This was the surprise of my food travels. The Steak Sundae. It was so good I had it twice in 6 days.

I had to go back to the cheese stand try the fried jalapeno cheese. Didn't disappoint.

Harley Man and I shared the ribs. Finger licken' good.

Did I tell you about the Steak Sundae? It was so good I had it twice in 6 days!

Yes. Finished out the fair with good old sweet corn.

There were other attractions than food~

I caught a couple of pics from the opening ceremony:

The Big Kahuna being interviewed.

Walking through the draft horse barn and Larry found old fashioned air conditioning. A fan. It felt like 90 degrees at 8:00 at night.

Ohhh I love goats.

A flash mob happened in the middle of the midway!

Until next year, I'll be dreaming of the sights, sounds, smells, and great eats at the 167th Walworth County Fair August 31 -September 5, 2016.

You know, it's the "last" weekend of summer!

http://www.walworthcountyfair.com/

Thanks for reading!

It's a great day to be alive, make it a great day!

Melody

xoxo

Did You Call U-Haul?

2015-09-16T21:07:00.000-06:00

Well last weekend was busy. Very. Busy.

Last Friday Harley Man, Oscar and I drove back to Gillette, Wyoming to get the rest of our "beloved stuff" we can't live without. Really, we can't. I have all of the boxes here in the new house to prove we can't do it. We didn't even bring most of our furniture. Just the stuff. If you know me, ya know I seriously can't live without my holiday dishes and decor. Well, I can but prefer not too. After two months of living in the "green room" to the stars and then a camper for four days I did prove I can live without it. For about that long. That's it. Miss Pippi Jackpot and Mr. Pretzel Potpie went to the "spa" and I was ready to put the miles on Spud and get this move over with.

"Someone" was unhappy with the seating arrangement.

We drove all day Friday and arrived in the evening pretty tired. Oscar was excited to chase the one squirrel and rabbit in our yard. Harley Man and I were weary and ready to have a beer and order pizza and get to bed. Earlier I was thinking I would probably start packing the kitchen but after that long of a drive we weren't in the mood to look at anything but the beautiful view from our deck. I'm going to miss that view.

Fitting that the Pronghorn Antelope stopped by on our final evening.

Now, in the midst of planning this move we thought we'd pack all day Saturday and leave very early Sunday morning. After all, we weren't planning on taking furniture. It should be easy peasy. Right. That's what we were thinking. Wrong. We packed all day Saturday into Saturday night. And all day Sunday. We were done around 6:00pm. I wanted to call some friends to meet for drinks before the final move but there was no way. Absolutely no way. I couldn't even lift my eyelids I was so tired. Plus it was an early call Monday to get on the road. Road Warriors need to be in top condition and not sleep deprived.

Monday morning I was awake at 2:55am. My alarm was scheduled for 3:15am. I thought it was fitting since that was around the time I used to to wake up when I worked at the station. We got up and got around at 3:25am and were on the road at 4:57am.

All packed and ready to roll.

A couple of pictures along the miles that were interesting to me:

"Hello? Hello? Anybody there?"

Not sure if I'd take my car here for service.

After almost 17 hours of driving we made it to our new home Monday night. That included Oscar and I getting run off of the road and onto the shoulder, bad food, a stomach ache, me singing to Oscar, alot of thinking sprinkled with sadness leaving a home we loved, leaving a job I loved, leaving friends and a dream when we moved there thinking it would become our reality.

Looking at the positive side, we will have those friends for life and we can't wait to have them walking through our front door of our home. There is so much to do here, being so close to Milwaukee, Madison and Chicago. And Elkhorn is a beautiful small town, very close to Lake Geneva. Harley Man loves his job, we have a beautiful home, and we have Oscar, the dog we rescued while living in Gillette. In a way he rescued us.

Looking back on the lifelong friendships we made in Gillette, dreams that didn't happen, but no regrets. Looking forward to the future and ready to see what it holds. When one door closes, another opens.

That's it for the night, I have a busy day tomorrow, unpacking more "stuff" and looking for a job.

Thanks for reading.

Melody

xoxo

Back in the Heartland!

2015-08-06T16:36:00.002-06:00

Welcome to Wisconsin!

I haven't blogged (once again) for a few months. And oh boy. Do I have stories.

In a nutshell...we have moved from the Energy Capitol of the World to the Heartland. Packers, cheese and cows. Wisconsin is full of very nice people and very.good.food. We're talking Supper Clubs, people. SUPPER CLUBS!

Well my time is short tonight but wanted to update you as to what is happening. Please make sure you are sitting down for this. With a bottle of wine.

I am living in the dressing room to the stars....on the county fairgrounds....in the middle of the racetrack.

Outside my front door.

Boy. Do I have stories.

More to come.

I promise.

Get your wine.