Thursday, March 30, 2017

Things in My House Thursday ~The Little Things that Make Me Smile ~A New "Helper Cat" on Trial

It has been five months since our Callie passed away.
I have missed my helper cat.
And remember? I was thinking that Lucy was lonesome too.

My sister-in-law told us about a cat out at the clinic 
that has been looking for a forever home since 2014.

I brought the cat carrier into the house...
and within 30 seconds, Lucy realized that something was new.

Jasmine hopped out and hid in my bathroom.
Lucy was not very welcoming.

Here's Lucy keeping 
Jasmine hostage in the bathroom.

Finally, Lucy went downstairs for dinner,
and Jasmine got to sit with me at the counter.

A concerned Lucy...

...and a cautious Jasmine.

She does enjoy hubby's cat treats!


She enjoyed napping with me on Sunday afternoon!

She keeps us company during dinner...

...and helps me correct papers.

It is Lucy that concerns me...

...Do you think she will learn to accept Jasmine?

Take care,
~Natalie

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Whatcha Workin' on Wednesday ~A Week's Study in Baking and The Functions of Ingredients

The Fourth and Final Term...
and for me, it is the last time that I enjoy 
the class activities that been teaching for nearly four decades.

The Chocolate Chip Cookie lab is a perfect way 
to review proper measuring techniques
and discuss the functions of ingredients.

Granulated sugar, brown sugar,
and the solid fats.

The first lab allows students to 
become familiar with their kitchen,
and learn to work with a team of students 
that they maybe haven't met before.

Plus...who doesn't like cookies?!



Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Take care,
~Natalie

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Things in my Classroom Thursday ~The Little Things that Make Me Smile


 This...is what I will miss when I retire.

Take care,
~Natalie

p.s. Here's the Rest of the Story...
#1 The Pizza Bites lab has always been a favorite with our students.
#2 Students are not allowed to wear hats or their hoods in school.
Breaking the rules...Why does being bad, feel so good?
#3 It was a great start to my Thursday Morning!

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Monday Mail Call ~My Retirement Packet

I received this packet in the mail yesterday.

Lots of forms to complete...
and other important documents to locate.
Marriage License
Spouse's Birth Certificate
Banking Information

I guess this is perhaps the first
 of several Final Projects
in my School Career?

Take care,
~Natalie

Sunday, March 19, 2017

Spring Break 2017 ~Here's my Report ~My Last School Haircut ~Guinness Beef Sliders Recipe Link ~~Pinterest to Practice

Hopes of spending early morning hours relaxing on the couch
were dashed by Lucy, who is used to having her breakfast at 5:30 a.m.

Spring Break allows time for extra errands
and for some extra pampering.
Remember how well we were treated at 
Hair Addictions at the time of the wedding?

Jennifer has always been our "go-to girl" for hair...
Prom, Back to School, Special Occasions.
And on this occasion, my last school haircut.

I often posed an interesting challenge.
She was able to create a the latest style 
for this High School Fashion Teacher...
yet professional enough to meet with parents at conferences.

These Guinness Beef Sliders caught my Pinterest eye,
so were on our menu for St. Patricks eve.

Hubby broiled the asparagus with garlic and parmesan.

Speaking of Pinterest,
it can make correcting papers a little less tedious.

For St. Patricks Day, Hubby and I went all out 
and put green food coloring in our beer.
We wanted to stay home to watch our Girls and Boys Basketball Teams
at the State AA Tournament. We enjoyed a quiet night at home.

Of course, St. Patty's Day weekend wouldn't be complete 
without Hubby's Corned Beef Hash.

I hope you had a wonderful weekend.

Take care,
~Natalie

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Things in My House Thursday ~The Little Things that Make Me Smile ~~St. Patrick's Day Blessing

I found some new ornaments for my little tree.
They were on the Christmas Clearance shelf,
however, they are perfect with my St. Patty's Day Decor.

You all know how much I love my little tree 
on the vanity in my bathroom.
It provides the perfect nightlight when
I get up in the night.

The tree makes her debut with Christmas  Decor.

In February,
it's all about showing 
some love.

In March, I am just not ready to put her away,
so she is adorned with green and gold shamrocks.





Happy St. Patty's Day!

Take care,
~Natalie

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

What'cha Workin' on Wednesday ~Preparing the Foods Lab for the Fourth and Final Term

Spring Break for the students started yesterday at 3:20.
You can see that by 3:24, the hall was clearing out.

Teachers were on duty today.
Faculty Meeting,
Department Meetings,
and Staffing Meetings.

Between meetings, I cleaned the student kitchens...
All seven of them.
The custodian provided a vacume cleaner 
so I could get all of the crumbs out of the drawers.


Equipment has been inventoried, organized, and arranged.
We are ready for Monday!

I teach 10 sections of Intro to Foods.
That is 280 students...
most of the Freshman class!

This term...sections 8, 9, and 10.
I'll keep you posted on our progress.

We are making memories that I will take with me
into my retirement!

...and, I will be looking back with much fondness.

Happy Spring Break!

Take care,
~Natalie

Monday, March 13, 2017

Happy Birthday, Dear Emily

We wish the best for you on this 28th Birthday.
You were born on a Monday...
And, it was a special Monday, indeed.

Our family of four was complete.
You were the sister that Amy longed for...
and such a sweet baby.
If you'd like to see some of those baby pictures,

We all haven't been together for nearly two years.
This is the last photo I can take credit for,
so I have borrowed some photos from facebook.

It makes my heart happy to see you sisters 
spending holiday time together.

Emily, you are an accomplished young woman.
This year you graduated with your Master's Degree,
and secured your dream job.

You are kind and caring,
and fun to be with.

We are so proud of the woman you have become.
Happy Birthday, Dear Emily.

Love,
Dad and Mom

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 ...