Just Kicking It!

Sarah snapped this picture on Sunday when she stopped over. I look silly, but Sarah really loves to get me into poses that are different than just standing. Any how I've been meaning to post an updated picture but just didn't get around to it. Good thing Sarah is around to take them for me.

Not much else going on this evening. Got cooler again. After having such a beautiful weekend with an Indian summer just wanted it to stay that way and not have the temps dip down. I'm really looking forward to putting up the Christmas tree. Me and Sarah are going to put it up day after Thanksgiving. Also planning to do some shopping that day. I'm also looking forward to having a 4 day weekend. YAY That is the best!!!!


Stamping Trails
Karen 188

Tony's Birthday

Today would have been my brothers 53rd birthday. Miss him like crazy. Not a day goes by that I don't think about him. I always took Tony out for lunch or dinner on his birthday and I still honor that each year. This year the plan was to go to Cap'n Taco. It's a little hole in the wall eatery that Tony liked. They have really good food, and on Tuesday they serve tacos for 69 cents.....however....they are not open on Sunday. Silly us we went there only to find out it's closed on Sunday. I'm sure Tony would have got a big kick out of that one. Boy was my face red seeing how I made the arrangements for the day. We did still have Mexican. Just down the road from Cap'n Taco. The company was the best. Two of Tony's friends joined us today. It was so nice to be able just to talk about Tony and share old memories. Sarah and her boyfriend also joined us today. Sarah remembered to wear purple. It was Tony's favorite color. Missed Tony's two boys and wife Cheryl. They will be going out later tonight at the Winking Lizard.

So before I start crying (don't worry about me it would be good tears) I'll sign off for the day. I hope that Tony's friends Mike and Ray know how much it meant to me to have lunch with them today. They are both truly great guys, and good friends.

Veteran's Day

Yesterday was Veteran's Day, and the Principal of the school asked dear hubby to speak to the kids about his life as a Vet. Skip is a custodian for the Middle school in our town, and he was pleased that he was asked to speak. He put together a slide show of pics he took during his 20 years of service. The kids made this card and they all signed it. I think that was so nice of them to do that.

I had some leftover canned pumpkin from all the pumpkin stuff I've been making lately and I didn't want it to go to waste so I added a little soy milk to it along with pumpkin spice and cinnamon, popped it in the freezer for about 10 minutes and then I had a soft serve pumpkin ice cream treat. Great way to use up the leftover. In today's economy I don't want to waste anything.

So glad the weekend is around the corner. I'm working on some Christmas gifts that need to get finished so I can mail out to far away friends. Not to mention getting the wrapping paper all stamped. Busy, busy!!!!

Tip of the day: I have problems getting in all my water requirements. They say you should drink 6 glasses of water a day. So first thing I do in the morning when I get up is to pour myself a glass of water. Your body is a bit dehydrated after sleeping all night so it will thank you for drinking up......well maybe it's not the first thing I do in the morning.....it's the second thing:)

Stamping Trails
Karen 188

Chocolate Pears? Oh YES

These were so good for dessert last night.

Chocolate Pears

1 medium pear cut in half and cored
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tablespoon mini chocolate chips

Place pear halves in baking pan lined with tin foil
mix vanilla and lemon juice together and brush over pears
Bake in 375 degree oven for about 25 minutes or until pears are
tender.

Remove from oven and sprinkle mini chips on top. Serves 2 at 1 point each serving.
The house smelled so good while these were baking. I wish the blog came in smell-o-vision so you could smell them. Heck pears are in season now go run to the store and pick up some!!!!


Best of luck to my friend Lisa's sis-in-law Ann. Ann is starting her weight loss journey with Weight Watchers today. That is such a great decision Ann! Best of luck to you. If you need any help or support please contact me. Lisa is giving you my email address. A popular saying among Weight Watchers.....Nothing tastes as good as THIN feels!!

Stamping Trails
Karen 188

Displaying My Cards

For those of you who have been in my stamp room or have seen pics on my blog you know it's not very big. I have a lot of stuff in the room just by being very organized. All the walls have peg board so I can hang things up. One thing I really needed was a place to put recent cards received so I could enjoy them. So yesterday I

grabbed some ribbon and strung it under my ribbon racks. Now I can display my cards and change them out when I receive new ones. I don't know why I didn't think of that sooner.


I made some awesome muffins last night. I'll be using them as part of breakfast for the rest of the week. So yummy and the point value is 2 per muffin.

Applesauce Muffins

1 cup rolled oats (not instant)
1 cup fat free milk
1/2 cup un-sweetened applesauce
2 egg whites
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup wheat flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp sugar

soak oats in milk for one hour
pre-heat oven to 400
to oats/milk mixture add applesauce and egg whites
in another bowl mix all dry ingredients except cinnamon and 1 tsp of graduated sugar.
combine dry with wet ingredients. Mix.
spray muffin pan with butter flavor cooking spray. Fill the 12 wells 3/4 of the way full.
combine cinnamon and sugar together. Sprinkle over tops of muffins. Bake for 20 minutes.
Makes 12

Say it with me.....YUM!!!!!

Stamping Trails
Karen 188

How Do You Eat Doritos?

I eat mine in a casserole. That's right a casserole. It was so yummy for dinner last night I have to share the recipe.

1 lb lean ground meat ( I use 95% lean)
1 can fat free cream of mushroom soup
1 can Rotel
3/4 reduced shredded Cheddar cheese
1 medium chopped onion
60 Nacho Cheese Doritos

Pre-Heat oven to 350
Brown meat with onion. Drain
Mix soup, Rotel and meat together in a bowl
Spray 13x9x2 pan with cooking spray
Crush half of the chips and sprinkle evenly in pan
Layer the meat mixture on top. Distribute the remaining (un-crushed) chips on top.
Sprinkle cheese on top of chips. Heat in oven for about 30 minutes. Serve with some
fat free sour cream.
serves 6
calories 268, fat 12 g, fiber 2
Works out to 6 points per serving



My daughter Sarah came to visit on Saturday. We had a fun day of shopping and riding bikes. It was really warm this weekend in the 70's. Anyway when we got back from shopping we made Pumpkin Smoothies. YUM!!!!

1 package Weight Watcher's Vanilla Smoothie
1 cup Light Soy Milk
1 cup Pure Pumpkin
1 tsp vanilla
Pumpkin Pie spice
Cinnamon
Splenda brown sugar 1 tsp
ice cubes.

Mix all together in blender makes two large glasses. And speaking of pumpkin.....My friend Lisa made this Autumn card for me. Just love it!!!
Very soft and elegant.


So Skip is still working on the bathroom but we got a lot done today. I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

Mom is still doing well. Me and Sarah took her lunch yesterday and took her outside for a bit. The sun felt really good! When I came home I put on a pair of shorts and mowed the grass. Hoping that will be for the last time this year. I can't believe how warm it was this weekend. Looking at another day today in the 70's. YAY.

Stamping Trails
Karen 188