Plans and Prayers

There is an old joke about a man in a flood. He sits on his front porch as the waters rise - a row boat comes and offers him a ride. "God will take care of me" the man answers. A little while later he is sitting on the sill of a second story window - a motor boat comes and offers him a ride. "God will take care of me" the man answers. A few hours later he is sitting on the roof top - a helicopter comes by and offers him a ride. "God will take care of me" he answers. Later that evening he meets God in Heaven and asks "Why didn't you take care of me?" God answers "I sent two boats and a helicopter!"

I am feeling a bit like that man right now. I am supposed to go back to school for my doctorate in the fall but, things aren't falling into place. I am wondering if I am missing the boats and the helicopter. I had three stipulations that I set forth before going back:

1. The house would be cleaned and reorganized (row boat?)
2. I would hire a cleaning service to come in at least every three weeks (motor boat?)
3. I was not going to pay my self - I want a grant or loan (helicopter?)

None of those things have happened. In the meantime, I keep running into other opportunities that have little or no cost that will help me to hone my craft. Am I thinking about retirement too soon? Does God have other plans for me? I have a feeling that I need to step back and listen.

The Great Refrigerator/Freezer Clean Out

Yesterday was the semi-annual great refrigerator/freezer clean out at my house. Now, not that I don't clean out my refrigerator periodically - but, twice a year, I take everything out, even the shelves,  wash the refrigerator down inside and out, and put everything back. I do this over Christmas break and then 1 time in the summer.

Its amazing to me the little bits of leftovers I can find that no longer look like human food. Things that have been hiding in the deep recesses of the far back upper shelf! What was that round green thing? Who knows what it must have been in its former life?

The darned refrigerator is the kind that beeps at you when you leave the door open. So amidst all the hard work, I have the negative reinforcement of that darned beeping going off. Even though I could intellectualize that this beeper could be ignored...I found myself trying to work quickly so that I could get the door shut and not have to listen to its incessant tone.  After awhile, I heard myself arguing with the nagging beeper - "I'll be done when I'm done...",  I told the cruel beeper over and over again. It was almost as bad as arguing with the GPS when I miss a turn off. (But that's a completely different blog post all together.)

All in all, the day was a productive one, I finished the refrigerator/freezer, went swimming and even managed to put together a nice supper.  This stay at home mom stuff is for the birds! When does school start? I need the rest!

Fox News and the Founding Fathers

I don't pretend to be an expert, but, I am a Civics teacher and I DO have a history degree. Does Fox News scare anyone else like it scares me?

On one hand, I am proud to live in a country where people are allowed to express their opinions. People have the right to be as controversial as they please. On the other hand, I am concerned about the propaganda that is espoused by that network under the guise of conservatism. Glenn Beck scares the #$%% out of me. I sometimes feel that he is Goebbels reincarnated. I admit - he is a master manipulator - hmmmm just like the Nazis? Is that why he is so afraid of them?

I got to thinking this weekend about our Founding Fathers and Fox News. How would they have treated these men if they were around today. After all, Fox News is conservative - Loyalists were conservative - so using logic, Fox News would have been anti- revolutionary. After all isn't liberalism sometimes used as a synonym for revolutionary? I can hear Glenn Beck now ranting about George Washington showing up at the Continental Congress dressed in uniform. I am sure he would have been against such a display and obvious attempt for attention. isn't that liberal after all? Would that blonde chick be googling words like tyranny? Obviously she would "pretend" she doesn't understand what it means...like she pretends not to understand anything else...

Take the time to remember that our founding fathers stepped out of the box...gambled their lives, their fortunes, and their honor - which many of them lost. They were the radicals of their time. They took on the strongest military in the world and won. They were revolutionary - or is that liberal?

Canada Days 5 and 6

The last two days of our little adventure were mostly spent in the car. Rande was determined that this road trip would only take two days...he just about killed me. We made scheduled stops at Lake Placid, Chocolate World in Hershey, PA, and Macado's in Blacksburg. I took a few pictures but mostly these were very uneventful days.

Now that we are home, I find that I am very tired but glad that we made our trek up north....I enjoyed myself and I am finding that I already miss the jazz festival and Canadian Beer.

Canada Day 5

Spent the day walking and watching the main city of Montreal. There is a unique blend of old and new in the downtown area. We started by walking to the corner grocery and buying some Canadian biere and coffee to bring home. Later, Rachael showed us an underground shopping mall. We ate lunch at McDonald's so that I could add another tray liner to my collection.

I know eating at McDonald's outside of the US sounds a little "off" but, I collect the tray liners and laminate them to hang on the walls of my classroom/office. I use these to teach geography. Kids can connect to a McDonald's tray liner because they have all been to McDonald's. I have them from several different countries now.

We wandered back through the jazz festival and bought a couple of souvenirs from the tents. Since it was mid-afternoon, the jazz festival was still going strong but it wasn't as crowded in the tents.

After dinner, we spent the rest of the night at the jazz festival listening to some incredible and unique bands. One was an eastern European big band style group and the other was a mixture of Native American and French. I loved them both.

au revoir à Montréal

Canada Day 4

Rachael arrived safely at the hotel this morning. We looked out, saw the grey skies and set out for the Basilica. We packed sweatshirts, hats, water...but....no umbrella! Luckily it was only misty with showers as we wandered into Old Montreal towards the Basilica. Once we were there, we were not disappointed.

I was at the Basilica on one of those tours they take school kids on when I was a sophomore in high school. I was so impressed then, that I have loved Cathedrals ever since. Notre Dame was probably even more beautiful this time because I have more of an appreciation for the history and the beauty of the place. Even Rachael seemed to be impressed.

Once the rain started coming down in buckets, we ducked inside a little art gallery type place with designer boutiques. Wonderful to see all the unique designs. We ended up at a little Italian type bistro on Rue Saint Pierre watching Montreal go by until the rain stopped. Afterwards, we came back for a little siesta because tonight.....MORE JAZZ!

Canada Day 3

Most of today was spent getting here. We crossed the border at 11:15 this morning with no problems and traveled east to Montreal. We got here around 2:30 but our room wasn't quite ready. So, we wandered around old town for awhile trying to get our bearings. After we came back to our room, got settled in and cleaned up, we went out for our anniversary dinner.

We found this wonderful little restaurant over by the river. I had the best steak I believe I have ever had in my entire life! It was a pepper crusted Filet Mignon. I had forgotten how wonderful the food is here!! It started raining, so we ran to the hotel for shelter..

After about an hour, we wandered out to the jazz festival. I really didn't know what to expect. WOW, what a neat surprise! Streets are blocked off, there are stages with bands playing, and people out just having a good time. We saw two bands. Susanna and her magical orchestra and Lulu Hughes et le Montreal All City Big Band. Wonderful!!

Canada Day 2

What wonderful surprises we have found up north! In Pennsylvania we stopped at the Steam Town National Historical Site. It is a railway museum. I was really impressed with this relatively new National Park. If you are ever near Scranton, PA this place is definitely a must see. ESPECIALLY, if you love trains. I have decided that we so called "modern" Americans have missed out on the luxury of the Pullman cars. Wow, what a way to travel!!

On the passenger trains, service was the key...none of this hurry up and wait like in the airports. I guess this is why I like history...sometimes I feel as though I missed out on the simpler and more genteel America.

This evening we happened upon the neatest little town I think I have ever seen. I think this will be on the top ten "I want to go here when I redirect list". We went to a Brew Pub and had the local beer. (Do you see a pattern developing here?) The pub was right on Lake Ontario. We were able to drink our beer, have dinner, and look out on the lake. After dinner, we walked over to the Battlefield Park. Sackets Harbor is where the Americans built ships to fight the British in the War of 1812. Several skirmishes were fought there as the two nations raced to build ships and control Lake Ontario.

Sackets Harbor is a quaint little village that looks like it should be in a storybook. I have just fallen in love with the place. I bet I could live here..until the first big snow that is :) I am hoping to drop by and take a few pics tomorrow morning before we leave for Alexandria Bay.

Canada Day 1

Took our time getting out of the house yesterday. Early in the morning, my WONDERFUL HUSBAND did surprise me yesterday with a new camera for my birthday. (I didn't have one of my own - I borrow everyone else's.) I was totally surprised because the trip is supposed to be my present. We left after lunch and drove for about 6 hours - stopping in Winchester Virginia. I have always liked this little town but, we really didn't get to see much of it on this trip. We just didn't want to get back into the car.

Along the way we stopped at Natural Bridge. However, it was $18 to walk down to the bridge which we felt was just a little too steep (pun not intended) so, we enjoyed the little gift shop and walked around the welcome center a bit before heading further north.

After we settled into our hotel, we went to Glory Days next door for dinner. It was a charming place with a good local beer on tap and good food. We really enjoyed ourselves there. Afterwards, we sat down in the hotel bar and figured out which way we wanted to head today. We have decided that our next overnight stop will be in Watertown, New York.

We aren't sure what we will stop and look at today - we are just playing it by ear. This evening I will post some pics.

AAARRGH gaining weight!

Wednesday is my weekly weigh in...for two weeks in a row now, I have gained about a pound. AAAARRRGH! So, I decided I should take a look at my "Five Things" from weeks earlier to see if I was following them. Of course, I am not...no wonder...

So to remind myself exactly what these five things are I am posting them again.


1. Get to the gym at LEAST three times per week.
2. A fruit or vegetable at EVERY meal(Including breakfast).
3. Choose water first when thirsty.
4. Park farther away to get in extra steps.
5. Switch to fat free milk for my coffee.


Last time I followed these to the letter, I lost a quick 3.5 pounds. But, I guess I got lazy and didn't always do them all. I have changed the coffee milk and I always park as far away as I can unless I expect to purchase something big and bulky - like a bed at IKEA...

I've been real good about vegetables/fruit at dinner but not so good at lunch and dinner. I haven't been to the gym at all this summer, but I have been using the WII fit three times per week. I guess I still need to add the gym. Also, I have been drinking regular soda for my caffeine pick me up in the afternoon....I will have to go back to the diet tea or water.

Condo

I promised a couple of you that I would upload some pics of the Condo on my blog. Here are some of the place when we arrived.

We have had a wonderful time. We have spent time at the beach, at the pool, and on the marsh in the Kayaks. Last night we ventured to Margaritaville to celebrate Rande's 50th birthday. (A little early but, I won't be in town on June 4th)

I have some pictures below of the Condo. Enjoy!

Blogger Pictures

view from the back porch

Blogger Pictures

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Living Room

Blogger Pictures

Building A Mariner's Cove

Tastefully Simple Dinner Tonight.

I was fighting a migraine all day today. So, tonights supper was not with a new recipe but with two new Tastefully Simple products we hadn't tried yet. Rande grilled chicken breasts with the seasoning salt and Smokey Bacon Grill Sauce. Absolutely wonderful! I contributed steamed broccoli and Tastefully Simple Parmesan Cheddar Biscuits. For dessert, we had the Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler topped with Vanilla Bean Icecream. I added a cup of fresh strawberries from the farmers market to the mix before baking. The whole supper took all of about 30 minutes and was totally delicious.

Check out my website for some great Tastefully Simple Products. You can also make a wonder simple dinner for your family. Nothing takes more than 3 ingredients for a quick, easy and delectable supper.

www.tastefullysimple.com/web/jrobinson5

Two Weeks As A Single Mom

Tired? Tired can't even describe who I feel as I end my two week stint as a single mom. Lesson learned? I applaud single moms everywhere - I don't know how you do it!

For the past week, my darling husband has been stranded in Europe due to the eruption of a volcano in the far northern region of our world. This has been a lesson to me and to all of us of how interconnected we all are. For me personally, I have also learned that being a "single" mom is very tiring.

Each morning it was up at 5:00 am to get myself ready, talk with the hubby via internet,make sure my 13 year old daughter was out the door to school on time and that I was also out the door on time for my teaching job. Of course, the school year is ending so, the number of activities triple at this time as everyone tries to squeeze in that last important event. In addition to her regular busy school day Rachael has youth group, voice lessons, all county chorus practice, all state chorus practice, a talent show at church, and the all state chorus concert in Greensboro, NC.

Me? I had my regular faculty meetings, a SACS visit for school accreditation, and family geography night! I also had a new unit to write and papers to grade! Don't even get me started about the house! It will take one entire weekend (at least) to get caught up on the mess there!

Rachael and I did treat ourselves to a trip to IKEA last Saturday to pick up some practical and some fun things that we needed for the house. She picked out her dream loft and some cute pillows for her room. We bought the cute pillows and will wait on the loft.

This weekend we are in Greensboro for all state. It is nice to be in a clean hotel room with someone to clean up after us. I am even thinking about stretching this out for one additional night. Something about coming back to a clean room that is only a few minutes away from the venue appeals to my tired self.

To single moms out there - I applaud you. To my husband...I can't wait for you to get home - I will never doubt what a good team we make or take you for granted again!

Asian Chicken and Broccoli

Here is the new recipe I tried this evening. I really liked it and Rande does too. To be honest - Rachael wouldn't even try it.

2 tsp oil
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips (I bought mine cooked already)
2 cloves garlic (I used 1 T of Tastefully Simple Garlic Garlic mix)
1 large bunch broccoli, cut into florets (5 cups)
1/2 c water
1/4 c Catalina Dressing
2 T soy sauce
1/4 t crushed red pepper
1/4 c cashew halves and pieces

Heat oil in a large skillet on medium high heat. Add chicken and garlic; cook 6 - 8 min or until chicken is done - stirring occasionally. Remove chicken from skillet and cover to keep warm.

Add broccoli and water to skillet; cover. Cook 3 - 4 min or until broccoli is crisp-tender, stirring occasionally.

Stir in chicken and all remaining ingredients excepts nuts; cook 2 min. or until heated through, stirring occasionally. Add nuts.

I served this over brown rice.

Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee!

I thought I would share this little Easter Video.

Five Things

I was watching Ruby the other night and was inspired to change five things in my life in order to get through my weight loss plateau. I am still thinking but this is what I have decided:

1. Get to the gym at LEAST three times per week.
2. A fruit or vegetable at EVERY meal(Including breakfast).
3. Choose water first when thirsty.
4. Park farther away to get in extra steps.
5. switch to fat free milk for my coffee.

When I went to the doctor on Friday - I had already lost a pound. That was just contemplating and being more aware of my habits as I compiled my list! Lets see what these five small changes will bring.

No one is home today because they are in WV for Easter. I stayed home to take care of my poor allergic self. Tomorrow I will try a new recipe. It is chicken and broccoli with brown rice. I'll write about it then.

When in Rome Tortellini

I adapted a Tastefully Simple recipe this evening for dinner. It is the bruschetta tortellini recipe that is on their website. Only, I didn't have the brushcetta cheeseball mix like I thought. I had the When in Rome Cheeseball mix - which is now a discontinued item.

Here is the recipe:
Bruschetta Tortellini
Submitted by Rosemary (MN) HQ Resident Chef

Ingredients
Bruschetta Cheese Ball Mix
8 oz. cream cheese
1 1/2 cups milk
12 - 16 oz. prepared cheese or other filled tortellini
1/2 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions
Combine first 3 ingredients in a large saucepan; stir with whisk over low heat until cream cheese melts. Stir in prepared tortellini and spinach; spread mixture in a greased 2-quart casserole dish. Sprinkle top with Parmesan cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30 minutes or until bubbling. Makes 6-8 servings.

I used the When in Rome Cheese ball mix and then topped the casserole with Parmesan Cheese the the crumbs from the cheese ball mix.

This is a really good meal. Nice and hot, rich and filling. Its a do again type of dinner. Easy, too!

Snowed In

I have successfully tried new recipes just about every Sunday - much to the chagrin of my family. They would be happy to eat the same meals every week! Especially my daughter who could live off of chicken nuggets and pizza!

This weekend we are totally snowed in so, it looks like we will be scrounging something out of the freezer today and feasting on it. I am thinking about oven fried chicken breasts, green beans and homemade steak fries. Just an ordinary Sunday dinner.

I get to go to Myrtle Beach this week for a Paideia workshop. I am looking foward to it! Family won't get a new meal next weekend either. I guess they can survive ! LOL

First New Recipe of 2010

"You've never fried me a turkey." My husband informed me after I asked him what he would give a 4 out of 4 stars. Finally, my chicken and dumplings earned a 4 star rating.

Tonight we tried "Bruschetta Chicken Bake" from my Kraft Foods Recipe box. Rande gave it 3 out of four stars. The dish was relatively easy to prepare and very filling. I served it with steamed broccoli and brussel sprouts. Perfect for today's winter chill there in North Carolina.

http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/recipes/bruschetta-chicken-bake-65546.aspx


I have promised to get back into the habit of cooking by trying one new recipe every Sunday evening. Unfortunately, we got into a habit of eating prepackaged or fast food meals the past two years while I was in grad school. So, I am trying to wean us from this habit. Hopefully, I will have a new repertoire of favorites by the end of this year and my family will be more likely to want to eat at home.

Well, honey, I may never have fried you a turkey - but at least we still have our back porch!