Looking for the Blog Worthy ~It’s Been Nine Days Since my Last Post

My days have all been the same...

Physical Therapy, House Chores, Crafting

When I haven’t posted to my blog for a while,

I look at my camera to see what photos I’ve taken...

and then, I know where my time has gone.

Most of the photos are of our cat and 

of what we’ve prepared for dinner.

We’ve had plenty of rain here in this neck of the woods.

Our plants out front are thriving!

There have been a few breaks in the wet weather,

enough for Hubby to grill something for dinner.

I graduated from Physical Therapy this week.

We enjoyed some live jazz music at The Ward.

Always a great way to kick off the weekend.

Saturday is Bison Game Day.

This week our Football Food was Super Nachos.

As you know, I like to make our own Taco Seasoning,

so I can limit the amount of salt in my diet.

Aren’t the spice colors pretty?!

OMG, Lizzie, GET DOWN!

I had my back turned while I mixed up the taco seasoning.

I have never seen her do this before...and I hope I never see it again!

So...I saved the Taco Meat, 

and we enjoyed Nachos with all our favorite toppings.

Here’s Lizzie staying calm and watching the game with Scott.

Another weekend highlight was 

a little FaceTime with Amy and Jack.

Hubby has perfected our Sunday Brunch of

Hash Browns

Bacon

Egg and Toast

Then, just like that, the weekend’s over,

 and it’s another week of the same routine.

I hope this finds you all dong well.

Make your life Blog Worthy!

Take care,

~Natalie

Easter Weekend 2019 ~The Empty Nester’s Report

It was a beautiful Holiday Weekend.

My Newsfeed was filled with family photos 

with Easter Greetings.

I enjoyed seeing your children and grandchildren.

My, how they’ve all grown!

Hubby colored the eggs with me.

Since our kids were little, we always used cups with handles.

It gives them something easy to grip, and not spill!

Another tip is to drip dry the eggs on a wire cooling rack.

I baked another loaf of the Rustic Artisan Bread.

Do not be intimidated by Roomba.

The Easter Bunny stopped by early with a plant...

Beautiful buds, and the bulbs can be planted to last all summer.

Last year I found this tablecloth and centerpiece 

in the Target Clearance aisle.

I was happy to re-discover it this spring in my Easter Storage Tote.

Easter Sunday Worship at Zion.

Unless, you have small children, 

or a cat that cruises your table top, 

you can arrange your place settings early.

I like to set out all my serving pieces, too.

Then you have more time to visit when your guests arrive.

We served Ham, Grilled Salmon,

Baked Potatoes, Spring Berry Salad,

Grilled Asparagus and Roasted Carrots.

It was my Sister in Law’s Birthday,

So my MIL baked a cake.

After the meal, she opened her gifts.

MIL brought a hostess gift for me too!

It was a fresh smelling candle for summer.

The Easter Bunny left this very cute basket on the counter.

I like to keep my bunny decor out for a while.

Happy Spring, Everyone.

Take care,

~Natalie

TGIF ~What’s Been Happening on the Homefront Since our Family Vacation

While shopping in the cities, 

Hubby and I found a basket for Lucy at the Home Goods store. 

She is adjusting to her new bed quite nicely.

We made a batch of BBQ Ribs...

Hubby’s absolute favorite meal.

I tried a new Couscous Salad...It tasted like summer!

You can find the recipe on my Pinterest Page.

In the summer, I usually schedule 

my annual physical exam.

The last couple of appointments have found my 

blood pressure a bit elevated.

So, for the first time in 62 years, 

I am taking a prescription medication, 

on a daily basis.

What really makes my day... 

when Amy sends a photo of our sweet grandson.

As you can see,

Not much happening around here.

Hubby and I enjoy an occasion night out, 

enjoying a beverage and sharing an appetizer.

I hope summer is treating all of you well.

Take care,

~Natalie

Memorial Day Weekend ~The Unofficial Start to Summer ~~Enjoying Time with Great Friends ~~~And Directions for Crash Hot Potatoes

It was a beautiful evening to spend on the patio with friends.

This is our second annual 'Welcome Summer' Cook-out together.

(Here is last year's report.)

Six of us are Empty Nesters.

Only one little chickie remains...

and not such a little chickie!

She is now taller than her mom and is going to be in high school next year.

(Yes, my Foods Class is on her schedule for 2nd term!)

Her dad is our Grill Master.

Here is the Grill Master with his Support Staff.

Burgers and Brats...tastes like summer.

My assignment was the Crash Hot Potatoes.

So easy to do...

I scrub small red potatoes and cook them in my steamer for 60 minutes.

Drizzle olive oil on a large baking sheet.

Using your potato masher, smash cooked potatoes to resemble a cookie.

Brush with more olive oil.

Sprinkle with coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Top with fresh herbs.

Here I am using rosemary and thyme.

Bake at 450 degress for 20-25 minutes.

Credit for the original recipe goes to the Pioneer Woman

Our Salad Chefs.

Minerva's famous house salad.

Pastry Chefs.

Sorry...so delicious, they were gone before I could get a photo!

To our gracious host and hostess,

Thank you so much for a lovely evening.

It was a perfect start to summer.

Take care,

~Natalie