My Little Corner of the World

Works for me Wednesday

2009-07-14T21:44:00.001-04:00

A few weeks ago I did a Slow Cooking Thursday Post where the recipe had instructions to use a Slow Cooker Liner. Several people asked about them, so I thought I would share them here.
These Slow Cooker liners are made by Reynolds and can be found in the grocery store with the paper products. You just put them in the Slow Cooker, then do your recipe as usual. When you are done, the liner can be thrown away and there is no clean up.
I don't use them often, but for things that make a mess or stick to the crock they are great. They also work well when camping, when doing dishes is more difficult.

These liners are made to fit a 3 to 6.5 quart Slow Cooker. They cost about $2.50 for a package of four.

For more tips and hints, visit Kristen at We are THAT Family.

Heritage Park and Garden

2009-07-13T21:44:00.000-04:00

We were at our township park the other night and had a chance to wander around and enjoy some of the unique things there.
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We have a memorial section, where there are statues commemorating the sacrifice made by the servicemen in each war. They stand in a circle around the flag. Here is one of them.

On one corner of the park is a house that was built by one of the early settlers of our town. The historical society maintains a heritage garden on the grounds.

Here is a collage of many of the flowers we saw.
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Here are a few more pictures of the grounds. This last flower is called a moon lily. It opens up at night.
Sometimes we take for granted the things that are in our area and don't pay too much attention to them. It was nice to look around and appreciate the work that has been done here.

Where do you live?

2009-07-12T21:42:00.002-04:00

I live in Southwest Michigan. If you look on the map above, you can see the County I live in. It's the little green county next to Lake Michigan - Ottawa county to be exact!
Last week, Joanne from Blessed did a post where she asked where her readers lived. I thought this was a fun idea and decided to do this too. So - I know where a lot of you live, but if you are reading this, take a minute and share it anyway. You don't need to give a specific city if that makes you uncomfortable, just a country or state. Where do you live?

Growing old

2009-07-09T21:44:00.000-04:00

"Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional!"

Slow Cooking Thursday

2009-07-08T21:45:00.001-04:00

The lovely Sandra is back from her vacation and is hosting Slow Cooking Thursday again. I've got a good chicken recipe for you today.

Saucy Sweet and Sour Chicken
2 1/2 to 3 pounds chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks), skinned
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 ounces frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon vinegar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
hot, cooked rice

Place chicken in 4 quart slow cooker. Sprinkle with salt. In a medium bowl, combine lemonade concentrate, brown sugar, ketchup and vinegar. Pour over chicken in slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours. Transfer to serving platter, cover and keep warm.
For sauce, pour cooking liquid into a medium saucepan. Skim off fat. Combine cornstarch and water; stir into liquid in saucepan. Cook and stir over medium until thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir for 2 minutes more. Spoon sauce over chicken. Serve with hot cooked rice. Serves 4- 6.

For more slow cooker recipes, visit Sandra at Diary of a SAHM.

A day at the beach

2009-07-07T21:35:00.001-04:00

I live in West Michigan, about 25 minutes from Lake Michigan. My sister Terri is camping this week at a campground on the lake and invited me to come and spend a day with her.
Here are a few pictures from my day.

This camp is beautifully landscaped. This gazebo is overlooking the lake. There are often wedding performed here.
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Here is a little evidence of all the kids that are camping. I thought this was pretty nice work!
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More beautiful flowers, along with a pretty butterfly.
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My niece Shaelyn playing with some friends on the beach. They were taking turns pouring sand over each other - including their heads! Some Mom's are going to be busy with getting sand out of the hair tonight!
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A view from the stairs leading to the beach.
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The lighthouse and a beautiful sailboat further down the beach.

I had a really nice day today. Fun with family, nice weather and time to relax and take in the beauty around us. Thanks Terri, for letting me spend the day!

Take a walk with me

2009-07-06T21:42:00.001-04:00

I thought I would show you some pictures from the area I frequently walk in.

These ditches along my road may not look pretty at first glance, but there are different wildflowers blooming all the time.

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Here is an example of one of those wildflowers. It's a bloom on a milkweed plant, and this monarch butterfly is enjoying it!

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Look at this beautiful field! There are so many different things blooming here!

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This is the path into the State property near our home. You can only get into it by walking. No vehicles allowed. As I walked in, I scared a deer who was hidden in the thick growth.

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The whole area is beautiful; wooded and green. It's very quiet, with only the sound of the leaves rustling in the wind and the birds singing.

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Here is another pretty little spot. It's all natural with nothing planted or landscaped. I think God does a pretty nice job of landscaping it on his own!
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This is why I always take my camera on my walks. There is so much beauty to be seen and it changed daily!

Listen to the rain!

2009-07-05T21:29:00.001-04:00

This you tube video was sent to me in a e-mail. Watch the first few minutes for the best sound effects ever. You will be amazed at the sounds you hear from this choir!

Happy Fourth!

2009-07-03T22:50:00.003-04:00

Saturday, we in the States will celebrate Independence Day. There will be picnics, family gatherings, trips to the beach and of course Fireworks!
While you are celebrating, remember to thank God for our country and while you are at it, pray for our leaders and the future of the Country, too.

In the words of the old song by Irving Berlin:
God Bless America,
Land that I love.
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America, My home sweet home.

"If we ever forget that we are one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under." - Ronald Reagan

This and That

2009-07-02T21:31:00.000-04:00

I have a friend who has just started a blog after reading them for some time. Can you all stop over at Everyday Blessings and say Hi to Connie? I think you will like what she has to say! For my church friends, she is also known as Patty's Mom!

I also need to thank a few people for some awards. The one above is the "Best Follower" Award. It was given to me by Mike of Rambling Stuff.

I was also given the "Charming Blog" Award. This one came from Lara of Prossigo para o alvo. It doesn't come with a button but I'm supposed to list 7 random facts about myself for this one.
1) I'm the oldest child in my family
2) I was the youngest in my class, from Kindergarten all the way through Nursing School.
3) I never flew in an airplane until last year.
4) My parents both came from large families. I had 21 aunts and uncles, and that's not counting their spouses!
5) I love candles - the scented kind.
6) When I first started working as a nurse I frequently worked on the postpartum floor or the nursery. Now I work in a Nursing home. I've covered the whole spectrum!
7) I love the beauty that God has given us to enjoy in nature.
Thanks to Mike and Lara!
Don't forget to stop and visit Connie!

Slow Cooking Thursday - or not!

2009-07-01T21:36:00.000-04:00

Today is supposed to be Slow Cooking Thursday. However - Sandra is on her way home from vacation and is unable to host. So instead of doing a slow cooking recipe, I decided to share a regular recipe.
This is a recipe for an unusual salad. I got it from a friend at work and made it when we had our Bible study group over. It is really good! I actually have it posted now on my recipe blog, but I know a lot of you wouldn't see it there, so I'm sharing it here. Give it a try - you'll like it!

Chili Corn Bread Salad
1 pkg (8.5 oz) corn bread/muffin mix
1 egg
1/3 cup milk
1 can (4 oz) chopped green chilies
1/8 tsp ground cumin
1/8 tsp ground oregano
Mix all of above and bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Cool.

1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream
1 envelope ranch salad dressing
Mix to make dressing.

1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
3 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
1/2 cup green onion, chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

In a 9x13 glass pan or a large glass bowl, crumble half of the corn bread. Spread half of the dressing over bread. Layer with half the beans, corn, tomatoes, pepper, onion, cilantro and cheese. Repeat layer. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Works for me Wednesday

2009-06-30T21:49:00.001-04:00

It's time for Works for me Wednesday and today is a special edition. It's all about best summer recipes. I know we eat differently in the summer and I bet you do too. I have posted these recipes in the past, so if they look familiar, there is a reason! They are summer favorites for us and I hope you like them too!

Tuna Macaroni Salad
1 cup shell macaroni
2 hard boiled eggs
7 ounce can tuna fish
1 can cooked peas
1 tablespoon chopped pickles
1/2 cup salad dressing
shredded, cheddar cheese
In 2 cups boiling water, boil macaroni until tender. Place in colander and drill with cold water. Toss together tuna, peas and pickles. Cut eggs fine and add macaroni and salad dressing. Toss with fork and add cheese to taste. Refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving.
We have this with a sandwich for a light supper on those really hot summer days.

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Teriyaki Chicken
1/4 cup cooking oil
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup dry cooking sherry
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 garlic clove, minced
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Combine oil, soy sauce, dry sherry, ginger and garlic in large zip lock bag. Place chicken in bag, removing air from bag and refrigerate for 6 hours or overnight.
When ready to cook, drain marinade from meat and grill.

For more summer recipes, stop and see Kristen at We are THAT Family.

For my Canadian friends - Happy Canada Day!

Proverbs - the kids way

2009-06-29T21:33:00.001-04:00

A first grade teacher gave each kid in the class the first half of the proverb, and asked them to come up with the rest. Here is what the kids came up with:

People in glass houses shouldn't . . . run around naked.

Better to be safe than . . . punch a 5th grader.

Strike while the . . . bug is close.

It's always darkest before . . . daylight savings time.

Never underestimate the power of . . . termites.

You can lead a horse to water but . . . how?

Don't bite the hand that . . . looks dirty.

Laugh and the world laughs with you...cry and you have to blow your nose.

A miss is as good as a . . . Mr.

You can't teach an old dog . . . math.

If you lie down with dogs, you . . . will stink in the morning.

A bird in the hand...is going to poop on you.

The pen is mightier than . . . the pigs.

An idle mind is . . . the best way to relax.

Where there is smoke, there is . . . pollution.

Happy is the bride who . . . gets all the presents.

A penny saved is . . . not much.

Two is company, three is . . . The Musketeers.

None are so blind as . . . Helen Keller.

Children should be seen and not . . . spanked or grounded.

If at first you don't succeed . . . get new batteries.

You get out of something what you . . . see pictured on the box.

When the blind lead the blind . . . get out of the way.

Aren't they funny? And true!

More Time Wasters!

2009-06-28T21:48:00.001-04:00

There are a lot of ways to waste time on the computer, and I know you all have lots to do and not enough time! However - if you find yourself bored and want to try a few games, here's a few for you.

A friend recently sent me an e-mail with the link to this game. The purpose is to get a circle around the cat without letting it get out. It turns out to be pretty difficult, although I did succeed once. I'm thinking you can all give it a try too.
Circle the Cat
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This game involves pumping up drops of water till they burst, and take out other drops, clearing the screen

Splash Back

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In this game, the guy is trying to get a job and he needs to smash defective merchandise on a line, before it reaches the end.
Hiring Day
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Do you like jigsaw puzzles? At this site you can do puzzles, choosing the difficulty level.
Daily Jigsaw puzzles
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Enjoy!

Are Women born this way?

2009-06-25T21:35:00.001-04:00

My friend Kim posted this on Facebook and it's so funny I had to share it. Enjoy!

Slow Cooking Thursday

2009-06-24T21:43:00.000-04:00

It's Thursday again and that means Sandra is hosting Slow Cooking Thursday again. I don't cook big meals as much in the summer, but it really is nice to use the slow cooker now because it doesn't heat up the house like the oven does!

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini
2 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast halves or thighs, cut into 1 inch pieces
4.5 ounces sliced mushrooms, drained
16 ounces Alfredo pasta sauce
1/4 cup chicken broth or water
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
10 ounces spaghetti or linguine
2/s cup grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup thinly sliced green onion

In a 4 quart slow cooker, combine chicken and mushrooms. In medium bowl, stir together Alfredo sauce, broth, pepper and nutmeg. Pour over chicken mix in slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours.
Cook spaghetti according to package directions; drain. Stir Parmesan cheese into chicken mix in slow cooker. Serve chicken mix over spaghetti, topping each serving with green onions. Makes 8 servings.
For more slow cooker recipes, stop over at Diary of a SAHM.

Simple Pleasures

2009-06-23T21:41:00.000-04:00

Bonnie from Simple Beauty shared pictures of 6 things that are simple pleasures for her. These are things that are not vital but bring happiness! She challenged us to do the same.
I recently did a list of things like this, but finding pictures adds a new dimension. Here's what I came up with:

1) Spending time with family! This picture taken last summer at Lake Michigan. In the picture are Heather, Bob, Laura and Aaron. Right after this was taken, Andy called from Korea, so in a way we were all together.
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2) Flowers make me happy! Seeing them blooming outside is always great and a vase on the table in the winter, adds cheer to the cold months.
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3) Our kitten, Oliver. He is the funniest thing to watch. This picture was taken after he fell asleep on Laura's lap. He sleeps in the craziest positions!
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4) I don't have a picture, but music brings me so much joy. I love to play the piano when I have a little extra time. I sing a lot, although my family doesn't always appreciate it. Hearing a favorite song on the radio will always bring a smile!
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5) Beautiful mornings! I enjoy the time of year when the sun is coming up as I go to work. Seeing the world around me in such a beautiful way is the perfect way to start the day.
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6) I really enjoy trees. They have a different beauty in each season, and I think they get more interesting the older they are. I think the rough bark of an old tree is similar to the wrinkles in an older persons skin. They have both been around for a while and have a unique beauty to show for it!
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Do you have any simple pleasures to share?

Wild Flowers

2009-06-22T21:52:00.000-04:00

I've shown you pictures of the flowers around our house before, but today I though I would show you some wild flowers and weeds that are growing along the road and in the fields.

These little flowers were covering a bush on the side of the road.

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These little weeds are growing all over in the ditch next to the road. I remember picking these for my Mom when I was young. We also liked to play with the puffy seed pod.
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Isn't this beautiful? It looks like a wild rose. I found it growing wild near an old fence at the side of the road.
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I don't think I've ever seen this weed before. It kind of resembles a dandelion, but is bigger and when it is in bloom there are green spiky things sticking out from the flower. When it goes to seed it is really big and fluffy.

I've been taking a picture a day for my 365 photo blog and have found it amazing how many things I notice that I never would have otherwise. It shows me that God has placed beauty all around us. We just need to open our eyes and see it!

Blogging buddies

2009-06-21T21:23:00.001-04:00

What a wonderful time I had Saturday evening! Sarah of Shortstop, invited me and my sisters Terri and Cheri, along with Ginger of One Mom's Heart to spend some time together in her lovely home.
My sisters and I had met Ginger before (and I went to school with her), but we had never had the privilege of meeting Sarah in person. I can tell you that she is every bit as warm and gracious as she appears to be in her blog. Of course, Ginger is always a joy to spend time with.
We each brought appetizers to share and none of them were disappointing.
Here is the table all set with the yummy food.

We had Maryland Crab dip, homemade salsa and chips, vegetable pizza, spinach dip with crackers, deviled eggs, BLT bites and chicken wonton wraps. As if that wasn't enough, Sarah made a delicious cake for dessert!
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Sarah's husband had taken her two older boys out but her youngest, Lincoln joined us for the evening. We were all in love with this little cutie by the time we left for home.
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Here is a group shot that pretty much sums up the evening. Lots of fun and laughter!
Front: Terri, Sarah
Back: Ginger, Mari, Cheri
We all agreed we would have to do this again!

Happy Fathers Day

2009-06-21T00:03:00.001-04:00

Fathers are such an important part of our lives so it's nice to be able to pay tribute to them today! I've been blessed with some great Dad's in my life.
My own Dad has been such a great example of Fatherhood. There was never any doubt that he loved his kids. He taught us by example how to work hard, where to put our priorities and how important our faith is.
They say a girl often marries a man who is like her Dad and in many ways that is true for me. Bob is a loving husband and father. He's a hard worker whose faith is very important in his life and it shows.
Bob's Dad passed away the year before we met so I never had the privilege of knowing him. His Mom remarried Roger a little over 20 years ago. He's been a great step dad who is easy going and has handled 6 stepkids and their families well! Our kids grew up knowing him as Grandpa and he has been a big part of their lives as well as ours.
Happy Fathers Day to all the important men in our lives. Remember to pray for those who have lost their Dad's in the past year as well as those who wish to be Dad's and are not as this will be a hard day for them.

Good night, Sweetheart...

2009-06-18T21:39:00.000-04:00

You have to check out this cute video. If you didn't see it, you wouldn't believe it. Enjoy!

Slow Cooking Thursday

2009-06-17T21:51:00.001-04:00

Can you believe it's Thursday already? The days seem to be just flying by! Anyway - it's time for another slow cooker recipe. This is one that's good, but you can't make it too often because it's not so good for you, if you eat it too often!
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Creme Brulee French Toast

12 ounces sweet bread (Portuguese or Hawaiian sweet bread), cut into 1 inch cubes - about 9 cups
4 cups milk
1/2 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt
warm caramel ice cream topping or syrup
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Line a 4 quart slow cooker with a nylon slow cooker liner. Place bread cubes into liner.
In large mixing bowl, whisk together milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla and salt. Pour over bread cubes in cooker. Press bread lightly with back of a large spoon to moisten bread completely. Cover and chill in refrigerator for 4 to 24 hours.
Remove from refrigerator. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Turn off cooker and let stand for 30 minutes.
Carefully lift nylon liner from cooker, using a plate to transfer French toast to a cutting board. French toast may be sliced or spooned into serving dishes.
Top with your choice of topping and enjoy!

Stop over at Diary of a SAHM for more slow cooker recipes.

I find the nylon crock pot liners in my grocery store, by the paper products. They are disposable and made by Reynolds. The French toast can be made without them, but your crock will be hard to clean.

Neighborhood critters

2009-06-16T21:35:00.001-04:00

We've had a few different critters visit us in the last few weeks and I thought I would show you the ones we got pictures of. In addition to this we have plenty of rabbits and squirrels.
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This ring necked pheasant was in our back yard and Bob was able to get this picture. These birds have such pretty coloring.
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There have been a bunch of chickens wandering around. They must be "free range" because I don't know where they came from and I've seen them in the woods and in peoples yards. Last week I saw them across the street with this wild turkey that joined them and seemed to think he was a chicken. He wandered around with them and let me walk within 5 feet of the group without running off.
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This little chipmunk frequents our front yard, and often sits on this corner of our porch, nibbling on something. He sure is cute, but he drives Bob crazy by digging holes in his flower beds!

Mardi Gras?

2009-06-15T21:30:00.002-04:00

Has Mardi Gras come to West Michigan? No, but it's starting to look a little bit like it in the Nursing Home where I work.
We have 2 men who are mentally challenged and they have discovered beads! They have been busy making necklaces, key chains and have now started on bracelets. If you were to visit us, you would see a majority of the staff, many of the residents and even some visitors wearing a necklace.
If someone forgets to wear theirs, they will most likely get another one to wear. If you look at the picture, you will see that I have one for Christmas, one for the Fourth of July and several for other colors. I was told that the wooden one would match anything, so I could wear one necklace everyday!
We have started taking apart the ones that look similar and our activity director bags the beads and gives them back to the guys so they can make more. Several of mine are going back for recycling this week.
They love giving these away and are happy when they see someone come in wearing one.

Congratulations to Heather!

2009-06-14T21:40:00.002-04:00

Look what came in the mail! It's Heather's diploma! She finished college about a month ago, but the diploma's are mailed out, so she has been waiting for it. Since she has it in her hands, it feels official, finally.
Now for the hard part - finding a job! Jobs aren't too plentiful here and so far in her search, it seems everyone wants about three years of experience.
Heather - we are really proud of you - good job!
* Her degree is in accounting