Yeah,, I don’t do memes. At least not so much. I guess I don’t see what about my life would be interesting to anyone…but…le sigh…Courtney from Coco Cooks memed me. And..since it is here birthday…and ONLY because it is her birthday I shall do the meme.

Rather than subjecting anyone else to this tag torture you can just do it if you want and leave a comment and a link so I can go read it..’k?

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. I can’t believe it. Autumn is my favorite season and each year it seems to be the one that disappears the quickest.
Thanksgiving is usually a no brainer around here. I made a menu over ten years ago and we pretty much go by it completely, adding a new dish or two every year to try. It is just that everyone has things they just “have to have” and adding something new is impossible without taking away something old, comfortable, and traditional so…we don’t.

What I have found is that it is great to make Thanksgiving …read more

blogsurfing, blogs, recipes

I am in a very difficult time in my life right now, with a lot of decisions looming. For the first time in very nearly 50 years I feel like an adult. I am not sure I like the feeling. For the first time in my life I feel quite alone… and in some ways it feels much like I suspect a new born feels at birth.
Space, cold, light, frightened, curious…wanting to be held…craving sustenance and affirmation and encouragement that this big, new world will be o.k.

I feel odd facing these challenges at this age, going into the Holidays, and …read more

Cold chilly, late autumn in Texas this year feels like…uhhh….summer in Michigan..O.k. I am a wimp but after all of the years of 100 degree summers I get cold when the temperatures hit 55F. If you want to make fun of me just remember when you are sweating at 80 degrees…I have a very long memory and I will get you back.
You have to love the flavors of autumn though; pumpkin, spice, butternut squash, spice, apples, spice….

Today’s blog surfing has some amazing recipes to spice up your autumn. Are you ready?

Happy Weekend!
It is chillier and chillier in the mornings. The leaves are turning color and the days are shorter. It is an awesome time of year -  probably my favorite time for food. The flavors of autumn are spicy and robust, warm and comforting. It is a great time to try new combinations and new spices and ingredients. Try switching Chinese Five Spice powder for the cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, or apple pie spice in your favorite recipe. The addition of star anise to the rest of the “normal” autumn ingredients can push it over the top. Brown the butter …read more

Texas has lost its mind.  I promise. The entire area of North Texas has decided to skip October entirely and get on with November. It is total insanity.
Nah…it’s just Texas weather.
So I spent the week shopping with my girls. I need to still get the boys outfitted for winter but that is usually a little easier. Both girls are hard to fit. Shiloh is nearly 14, tall and long legged so it would be hard enough without the hooker-wear all the stores seem to be carrying. Trying to find a simple dress for church that is not so low cut …read more

How has your week been? Are you gearing up for the holidays?

As we move into October it is time to start thinking about cookies and other Holiday baking. 50 Best Cookies and 50 Best Cookies Scene 2 are both good places to start. Remember that you can easily freeze cookie dough OR baked cookes and they will be fine for the holidays. Start picking up extra baking supplies so you will have them on hand when you want them.

Chocolate Espresso Sandwich Cookies
Boston Cream Pie Cake
Salsa Chicken Enchiladas
Chicken Apple Sausage
Black Bottom Mini Caramel Cupcake Bites
Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes
Triple Threat Brownies
Mushroom Ricotta Ravioli
Fruit …read more

I have like almost no time today. My life is insane right now. I know that I am absolutely going to wake up tomorrow morning and find out that it is Christmas Day and everyone is mad because I forgot.

Did you ever just really feel that flakey? Sigh. Here is a quick round up of all of the coolness this week.

Cranberry, White Chocolate, and Toasted Walnut Scones
Iced Mini Pumpkin Loaves with Molasses
Apple Salsa
Mini Sweet Potato Cheesecakes
Lemon Chamomile Pots de CreamThat’s it for this week. Hope you have an awesome weekend!

Image: Cori

The sun is just coming up amidst the occasional splatter of rain on the roof outside my window. I can hear the rooster, still locked in the coop, crowing for attention. My fan hums and there is a cardinal somewhere nearby …”chip chip chip”. Everything is soggy and the weatherman promises it will get soggier as the weekend proceeds.
My kind of day.
I woke up wrestling with my fears and doubts, and second guess decisions I have made. I despise that. I believe with all my heart that my life is in God’s hands and He knows what He is doing…at …read more