Quarantine Questions ~Is Pizza Friday a Thing? ~Are You All Participating? ~What Pizza is Your Favorite? ~Do you Prepare Homemade, Take and Bake, or Order Delivery?

Hubby and I have been staying close to home

since I returned from Massachusetts...which is 10 weeks now.

We go out only for essential errands like groceries,

prescriptions, and to mail packages of masks at the usps.

Hubby worked from home for most of that time,

taking care of the very essential work they do

at the DOL regarding Unemployment.

For me, every day is pretty much the same,

however we do look forward to seeing what we can create

for Pizza Friday. Last night, an Italian Sausage Supreme.

This is what was under that layer of cheese:

Italian Sausage

Caramelized Onions & Red Peppers

Mushrooms & Black Olives

It was delicious!

Last week... Chicken Bacon Ranch.

The addition of green onions added

a little pop of color and just the right texture.

Before that, Turkey Pepperoni and Veggies,

Shrimp Alfredo,

And Chicken Cordon Blue...

Another favorite of ours.

Pepperoni, Mushrooms, Green Onion, and Red Pepper.

We prefer a Thin and Crispy Crust, so I have been experimenting

with a variety of pizza dough recipes. One thing is constant...

I like to add Italian Seasoning in with the flour.

Since I really have nothing but time on my hands,

I like to prepare Homemade Pizza. However, when we order,

It is usually from Dominos. This is my favorite...

from the Build Your Own Menu,

Chicken, Spinach, and Roasted Red Peppers.

This was pretty tasty, too.

From the Dempsey’s Take and Bake Menu...

The Mrs. Brady, it was their Pizza of the Week,

A delightful combination of flavors.

Now it’s your turn to tell me about your favorite pizza toppings!

Stay safe and well.

Take Care,

~Natalie

Senior Hour at the Supermarket ~Mask Making Update ~Do You Still Need a Mask or Two?

Helper Cat and I make another batch of masks every day.

As long as I get requests from our family and friends,

I am going to keep on sewing...

Over the weekend, I finished a large batch.

A friend and business owner

is providing them for all of their employees.

Since I now have a good variety of masks in my inventory,

I took a day to tidy up my mess, and focus on some house chores.

Starting with a trip to the Supermarket.

I so appreciate that they designate the first hour of their

daily opening for Seniors and First Responders.

I was alone in the produce section...

I was alone in the bakery...

And I was alone in the meat department.

You can see, there is no shortage of beef here.

However, the poultry is another story!

Seriously, there were very few other patrons

at 7 o’clock this morning.

And the folks I ran into were wearing masks.

It was a good shopping day at the supermarket.

Oh, how I’ve missed being able to take the time

to browse for what I need.

And the experience will be even better when we are allowed

to bring our own shopping bags! This is just after one  trip.

In case you are wondering how the

Patriotic Mask Collection is coming along?

This is just a start...

Let me know if you are interested.

#slowthespread

Stay Safe and Well.

Take care,

~Natalie

Monday Memories ~A Daily Walk to the Park ~Weather Permitting

Jack’s house is close to a Park.

We walked there often, if the Spring weather cooperated.

Here’s Jack with his Uncle Jake.

Running up and down the ramps was perhaps

Jack’s favorite thing to do.

There he goes again!

The slides are fun with assistance from Mama...

...even better with Mama and Aunty Emily,

one on each side.

Just a quick walk to the park makes for 

plenty of great memories.

Stay safe and well, everyone.

Take care,

~Natalie

What’cha Workin’ on Wednesday ~My Report ~Quarantine Question ~Do You Still Need a Mask? #flattenthecurve #slowthespread

Do you recognize our handsome neighbor boys?

Their mom asked if I made child-size masks.

I did not hesitate to seek out a pattern

and appropriate print fabrics.

A lucky find at Hobby Lobby was this

Dinosaur Print Fabric

for our Dinosaur loving Grandson.

None of these boys go out and about very often,

however, it is good to be prepared

in the event that they do.

Remember this photo? I created my first masks on March 29th.

Since then, I have made a batch or two nearly every day.

Every morning, we make coffee,

send messages to family and friends,

and watch the news while we cut and press.

The kitchen counter is just the right height for

cutting, pressing, and pinning.

Stitching is done in the Sewing Studio.

Blue tends to be the most popular color, and elastic

that goes behind the ears is the most popular style.

However, I am still using both patterns.

This is the one with elastic that goes around the back of the head...

much easier on your ears, especially if you

wear your mask for an extended length of time. 

Back in March, I decided I wanted to make masks

for family and friends at no charge.

But, I have accepted donations so I can purchase

more Mask Making Supplies.

In addition to some very generous cash donations,

I have received print fabrics and elastic,

A variety of Baked Goods.

Tasty looking Canned Goods,

And plants for our Outdoor Living Space.

Lizzie, our Helper Cat, provides excellent support...

well, most of the time, anyway!

Stay safe and well.

Take care,

~Natalie

Mother’s Day 2020 ~Here’s My Report ~We Celebrated Across the Miles

I am blessed to be Mother to these Special Young Women.

While they no longer live nearby,

they still found plenty of ways to help me feel the love!

On Friday, this lovely card arrived with a

heartfelt handwritten note from Amy and Nick inside.

Included in the envelope, this card from Jack for Nana Gigi...

Art Work, Spring Stickers, and his Hand traced on the back.

It is proudly hanging on our refrigerator,

and I smile every time I see it!

Thank you, Amy, Nick, and Jack.

After Hubby made brunch, we ventured out to the Garden Centers

to select the traditional Hanging Basket for Great Grandma.

Hubby also treated me to these pretty flowers

to cheer up our kitchen counter.

 Thank you, Honey.

In Saturday’s Mail this gift from Emily and Jake.

Each day features a quote and short story written by Hoda.

They are a quick read and perfect for my Morning Coffee Time.

We all need more inspiration to start our day.

Yet, another package arrived yesterday...

A glass water bottle with bamboo lid.

A good reminder to drink more water!

Thank you, Emily and Jake.

Like a couple of old Empty Nesters,

Hubby and I went for a Sunday Drive late in the afternoon...

Ending up at this familiar landmark in Aberdeen.

I have two favorites at Twist Cone.

This is the Mounds Sundae.

Next time, I’m ordering the Turtle Sundae.

Both are sinfully delicious.

Whether you live across the country, or just across town,

 there’s a chance your family probably didn’t celebrate

all together due to the quarantine.

I hope you enjoyed a little time chatting on FaceTime

or through the glass of your Picture Window.

Stay Safe and Well, Everyone.

Take care,

~Natalie