Our Friend is Moving

August 16, 2015 by Debra 2 Comments

Hi, I’m going to cry. I just know it. The tears are swelling in my eyes as I am typing. Today Katie is on her way to the airport. She’s flying to North Carolina to be with her mom, sister, her brother and her family. Katie is very happy. I truly am happy for her as well. However, it’s bittersweet.

What can I tell you about Katie? I consider her one of my kids. She’s fun, care-free and you are left to wonder what color her hair will be the next time you see her. Heck, she might even shave it off! Katie makes my son happy. And that makes me happy! She loves cats and anything furry.

Keeping in touch with today’s technology will be very heart warming. I have already been looking into the Skype for computer and the app for my Android. And of course text and phone calls. Vacations are always possible.

Kate’s leaving is bittersweet. Saying good-bye is never easy. God brought Katie into our lives. I will treasure our friendship and remember her always.

The collage above features images from a casual photo shoot last year. I was preparing a photography order to send to the lab. The lab was having an 8×10 half price sale so I wanted to take advantage of the special. I was going through all of my images and ran across these. The above collage was designed (with Fotofusion) as an 8×10 and I had 5 of them printed. One for each of the kids plus me, my mom and Erika.

Did you ever have a good friend move away? How did you cope with them leaving?

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Best Wishes,

Grandma’s Exercise Plan

August 14, 2015 by Debra 1 Comment

Hi, yes- you heard right. I am in the process of creating a simple grandma’s exercise plan. After accepting the customer service position at work, I am now sitting for 8 to 10 hours during the day. Needless to admit, but….. I have gained a few pounds. Sigh. In the past, I have had jobs that required moving and standing on my feet for most of the day. Throughout the years, dieting has never really worked for me. It was during my younger years that I tried an exercise routine that produced the best results. I was able to continue eating the same yet my waist was thinning and I felt great. My plan must be simple.

About grandma’s exercise plan.

Grandma’s exercise plan will consist of walking 30 minutes a day four days of the week at the Parks and Recreation Center not too far from where I work. Then one weekend day I will choose some place near my home to walk. We live on approx. 20 acres, so I could walk outside down to the pond or even drive up to the local school and walk the track. The third day will be my treat- to choose a different location. Did I mention the parks and rec exercise room is free? Well it is! Take a look at the center below.

The Outside

lawrence park and rec center — Park and Recreation Center

The rec center has a gym for basketball, pool tables, the weight room and a room you can reserve for meetings or parties. Okay now for the tour inside.

The Inside

recreation center tour — Recreation Center

Today I walked my first 30 minutes. What a great feeling it was after I finished. My thoughts were to make a post once a month letting you know of my progress. Be sure to check back to see the results!

Grandma’s Exercise Plan Objective

Be active! As I mentioned earlier, this has to be easy and simple to be successful. My goal is to be able to walk without huffing and puffing. And if by chance I lose weight, all the better!

Do you have an exercise plan that you follow? What exercises do you do to get and stay in shape?

Best Wishes,

Best Grilled Dinner

August 10, 2015 by Debra 4 Comments

stuffed jalapenos pork chops! — Stuffed Jalapenos & Pork Chops!

Hi, my husband grilled the best dinner last evening- seasoned pork chops, corn and stuff jalapenos. I am one lucky gal who enjoys his delicious cooking! Kevin starts with a recipe and tweaks it to his liking. He adapts most recipes for the grill and I get to enjoy the taste of it all.

Ingredients:

12 fresh jalapeño peppers
8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 clove garlic, chopped
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 slices bacon, cut in half
24 toothpicks

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400F degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper (best for clean-up) or a silicone baking mat. Place a baking rack on top of the baking sheet. Set aside.

Cut the jalapeño peppers in half lengthwise; remove seeds and center membrane. Set aside.

Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic, and paprika together until combined. You could also do this by hand using a rubber spatula. Salt to taste – I add just a pinch. Spoon filling equally among all 24 jalapeño halves.

Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a half slice of bacon and stick a toothpick through the center to assure the bacon stays in place. Place each on the baking rack and bake for 25-28 minutes or until the bacon is crisp to your liking. I like to turn the oven to broil for the last minute or two to get things extra crispy. Serve immediately. Cover leftovers and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Make ahead tip: jalapeño peppers can be stuffed and wrapped 1 day in advance. Refrigerate until ready to bake. You can also assemble and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

Best Wishes,