Sunday, February 26, 2017

Where the Weekend Went ~Saturday's Work ~Our Kitchen Project ~~Finishing Touches

We have lived in our home over 20 years.
Some of the appliances were here when we moved in.
Life expectancy for an appliance is about 15 years,
so I guess we got our money's worth.

The fan in the range hood was the first to expire.
We were getting along just fine, 
as we empty nesters don't fry many foods.
But then, our microwave started shooting sparks...

This led to an evaluation of our whole situation.
One of the burners on the range was slow,
and our dishwasher did not get things clean like it should.

So hubby and I went shopping for the whole package.
This was also our opportunity to create 
the tile backsplash that I always dreamed of.

I cannot tell a lie.

I am not in love yet.
I want my old range back!

I do love Cuisinart small appliances...
Electric grater, food processor, blender,

and coffee pot!

Did you notice that I got a new utensil crock?

Thank you, Martha Stewart.

By the way, here is our new dishwasher.
It is so quiet that I don't even have to 
turn up the volume on the television!


My blog is usually my "happy place"
however, I do have some #frigidairefrustrations.

But, I am going to overlook them for now,
to show you the finished kitchen project.

Thank you for stopping by.
Take care,
~Natalie

Saturday, February 25, 2017

It was Fruit & Vegetable Week in my Foods Class ~with our Fruit Pizza Recipe Link

We devote an entire week to the study of fruits and vegetables.
Students create Power Point Presentations 
on a fruit or vegetable of their choice.

Their presentations include nutritional information,
selection and storage tips, and two interesting facts.
Their creative use of technology always impresses me!

And then we make Fruit Pizzas...notice our crust.
We make our own with the whole grain goodness of rolled oats.
(The recipe calls for nuts, but due to allergies, we do not use them at school.)

The cream cheese layer uses the pineapple juice 
from the can of tidbits.

Speaking of creativity...
I challenge them to think of the color placement of their fruits 
to create a pleasant presentation.

We discuss the different forms of fruit...
fresh, canned, frozen and dried.

We talk about reading the can's label to see what the fruit is packed in 
and to be sure get the style that meets your needs.

Pay attention to peak season and the prices.

Nice work, everyone!



Nutritious, Delicious, and a Little bit of Fun!

Let me know if you try it.

Take care,
~Natalie

Thursday, February 23, 2017

What'cha Workin' on Wednesday? A Teacher's Work is Never Done

Correcting papers and recording grades...

Third term ends in just 10 days.
This increases the level of concern within many students 
in regards to missing assignments.

Notice the tissue box?
Right... I'm fighting off a cold.
So many students and teachers have been absent
with Influenza B and Strep Throat.

Let's all get healthy and stay healthy!

Take care,
~Natalie

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Prayers Please, For Some Special Young Women

A horrific traffic accident this weekend shook our community.

Six senior girls were traveling together when they started to experience 
some mechanical problems with their vehicle.
Going 10 mph with their hazard lights flashing,
they were rear-ended by another vehicle.

Their Jeep burst into flames.
The first responders (Guardian Angels)
were able to help them 
escape from the burning vehicle.

We are so thankful that all the girls survived...
however, they will require time to heal physically and emotionally.

All six of these girls have been a delight to have in class.
They are excellent students, involved in athletics,
activities, and Student Senate.

This is the phone call that no parent wants to get.
They have a difficult road ahead.

Please keep the girls and their families in your prayers.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Take care,
Mrs. Geffre

(permission was obtained to use these photos of the accident)

I have been teaching here long enough to have had the girls and their mommies in class.
I  cannot stop thinking about what these families are experiencing.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Sunday, February 19, 2017

Renewing Old Friendships ~Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum ~~Wine and Cheese Tasting Event

It was just the best start to our long weekend...
getting acquainted with this special friend.
We met almost 40 years ago!

What brings us back together now?
Remember, our hubbys are the original members of a band 
that will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April.

We had beautiful weather for our weekend road trip.
Yes, this is what traveling in the Dakotas looks like!

It was so nice that we checked into our downtown hotel
and walked to the Washington Pavilion.

Live music was provided by the Hall of Fame Board of Directors...
with former inductees invited to perform.

We tasted wines from a local South Dakota winery.

The cheeses were provided by Dimock Cheese.
Our friends are part owners and sponsored this table.

They produce the best Colby Cheese in the midwest...
but there were so many creative varieties.
This was one of my favorites.

It was a busy evening, however, 
these two had a chance to step into the Rock and Roll Museum,
and have some serious discussion.

And then, this happened...
The Band invited my Hubby up to sit in for a few numbers.

We enjoyed spending the weekend with this special couple..
And we look forward to seeing them again in April.

google image

Renewing old friendships...
While everything in our lives has changed,
nothing has changed between us.

Take care,
~Natalie

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Valentine's Day ~Here's my Report

The Fitness for Life Students made individual 
Valentine Pizzas.

We used Whole Wheat Flour in our Crust...

Turkey Pepperoni and a variety of vegetables.
Did you know that turkey pepperoni has only 4.5 grams of fat,
while the regular pepperoni has 12 grams of fat?

It was my last Valentine's Day at school.
So, it was most appropriate make sweetheart cookies.
I purchased a variety of sprinkles 
and rationed them out for the lab groups.


The students are so creative!

Students delivered cookies to some of their teachers.
This one was for me!

I hope you had a wonderful day.

Take care,
~Natalie


Road Trip ~Day Three ~Burger Battle ~Sweet Shopping Highlights

Our last full travel day took us through four states… Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Including some Big Bridges over some Big ...