Where the Weekend Went ~Live Music, Good Food and Great Friends ~Roast Beef in the Crockpot ~~Recipe Link

It is nice to be greated by our furry friends 

after spending an evening out and about.

We kicked off the weekend early by sharing a burger at Pounders on Thursday.

We had spent the early evening hours working on our Garage Project,

and we just needed to take a break.

It is so nice to sit out on their patio.

Our Friday Night Friends met at Romas after work.

We listened to live music by Ron Parker and his group.

We ate tasty pizza and enjoyed the company of great friends.

Saturday's weather was perfect for an outdoor event.

The Aberdeen Jazz Group played at 

Centennial Village Blues, Brews, & BBQs.

Again, live music, good food with great friends.

After tearing down and loading up,

hubby wanted to go somewhere with AC...

...so Max & Erma's it was.

We sat "up at the rail" and for a while it seemed 

that we had the whole place to ourselves!

We had been galivanting all day and 

it was still too early to go home.

We went by the golf course.

I drove the cart, and hubby hit a few balls.

Hubby has set our old television up in his man cave.

We sat out there two evenings to watch the end of the Twins game.

After three days and three different restaurants,

it was time to prepare a meal at home.

I do love a Pot Roast on Sunday.

I found this recipe on Pinterest and 

thought I would share it with all of you.

Click here for the link to our Cooking Blog

Roast Beef in the Crockpot

I hope you had a wonderful weekend.

Take care,

~Natalie

What'cha Workin' on Wednesday ~Our Garage Project Update

It has been nearly a month since my last garage report.

The project was at a standstill for about 10 days.

First delay, the Fourth of July Holiday.

Second delay, the heat.

Apparently, this is a huge consideration

when pouring cement.

Third delay, our time with family here.

Our contractor was very considerate,

knowing that our family doesn't visit often.

He didn't want to be working around out back.

But then, it wasn't long until the cement floor was poured...

as smooth as silk.

The little window that was on order came in.

It provides some natural light and

a view of our patio.

There will be a wall to divide the new space.

This is my third of the space...

a storage room for crafting and sewing supplies,

my Tins and Treasures inventory,

and our booth display stands.

This is hubby's new man cave.

He has already moved in his workbench and tool chests.

Next step:

Hire an electrician.

Take care,

~Natalie

Monday Mail Call ~Gourmet Kitchen Gadgets Galore ~This Cook's Dream Package

Upon returning home from one of our family outings,

we were welcomed with a special delivery.

What could it be?

To our tremendous surprise,

a box packed full of gourmet kitchen gadgets!

Brand..New..Kitchen..Gadgets!

So many cool gadgets...

My college friend, Debra,

a representative with K & A Enterprises,

shared some of her company's gourmet gadgets with me.

Look at these knives...

almost too pretty to use!

Most of the items were from Kuhn Rikon.

They look fun, but are also so functional.

Check out their site (click here)

you will want one of everything!

From one of her newer companies,

Joseph Joseph: Innovative Functional Kitchenware,

were these two specialty knives.

One for chopping our fresh herbs,

and one for those times we just need some cheese and crackers!

My dearest Debra,

how can I thank you enough!

I love everything and have used several gadgets already.

Now I can retire those knives that were wedding gifts

(36 years ago)

and organize my kitchen with the new and improved.

Thank you, Debra.

I love my surprise box of kitchen goodies!

Take care,

~Natalie

Our Summer's Highlight ~Spending a Week with Family ~Our Time at Home ~On the Fourth Morning We Said Goodbye #The Empty Nest

google image

Our goal of parenting...

to grow the roots of responsibility 

and the wings of independence.

And their responsibilities were calling...

It was time to pack their bags 

and return to their jobs, their own homes.

Hubby and I prepared a quick brunch of 

Eggs and Homemade Muffins.

Their rental car was loaded...

...and our travelers were ready for their trip back to the cities.

Then, the nest was empty again.

Our time together went so fast,

but we cherished every moment we had together.

Those of you that are Empty Nesters can relate

 to the conflicting emotions...

It is hard to explain how 

we can be so happy and sad all at the same time?!

Life does prepare us gradually.

First day of daycare...

First day of school...

Last day of school...

Graduation...

Going away to college.

First steps...

First car...

First boyfriend...

Prom...

Wedding day.

I guess what makes me a little sad is that the memories 

of their time growing up at home are fading.

Maybe we were busy with our own career jobs,

making meals and doing laundry,

and keeping everyone on schedule

with homework and activities.

What makes me happy is so much bigger!

They are married...

married to men that we love like they are our own sons.

They have great jobs and nice homes.

The goal of parenting 

is to work yourself out of a job.

We are proud of you four

and the life you have made for yourselves.

Take care,

~Natalie

Our Summer's Highlight ~Spending a Week with Family ~Our Time at Home: The Third & Final Day

Our time together as a family was so short...

We certainly wanted to make every moment count.

Hubby was not going to let them all leave 

without treating 'his boys' to a meal of our BBQ Ribs.

The perfect ribs start in the crockpot,

right after lunch.

What is the best way to spend a hot summer afternoon

waiting for the ribs to cook?

A Bocce Ball Match.

Our yard is already small,

not to mention that now,

over half of it is a construction zone.

The course was challenging with all of the obstacles...

Extreme Bocce Ball.

We couples each played as a team.

The competition was fierce.

Each team won a match.

Hubby and I finished the dinner preparations

during the play-off round.

Along with the BBQ Ribs, we served

Emily's Greek Pasta Salad

Amy's Grilled Zucchini from Grandma's Garden

Texas Baked Beans

Potato Wedges on the Grill

The Bocce Ball Tournament generated a hearty appetite.

We polished off three racks of ribs!

Outdoor fun and plenty of great tasting food...

but the best was the time spent with our family.

Take care,

~Natalie