Whoops! I didn't realize we were at 150

Sassy

I'm thinking of another game, This time it will be for another "Dauntless"

Be Back later with the game

Annie

Sassy, yes, it's nice to have a place to vent! We all need it at one time or another!
You do sound like you're in better spirits though and sometimes just some venting can do wonders!

Thanks for the well wishes for the interview!

Annie, glad your air is working now!

Vic

Gotta get dinner on, running late. I'll show a pic of what you're getting soon. Check back.

Thank all of you for playing. I love games!

Sassy

Here is what it looks like

Vic congrats on the job PT with benefits is unheard of...that is great! I miss working at the hospital, but 12 hour shifts my body just couldn't take...

Dan, OUCH...gonna have a NICE shiner, make up a really GOOD story to go with that...lol.

Annie, love the iris...nice color...

My stomach hurts and I don't know if I have a stomach thing or what...It aches like a virus but I haven't been anywhere to pick up a bug...

Ok, who likes Chicken and Dumplings SOUTHERN STYLE? With the gooey sticky dumplings inside? If enough ppl are interested in the recipe I will post mine...it is easy simple and only takes about an hour start to finish including cooking the chicken first...well, maybe, depends on how YOU boil your chicken..

AH YAH VIC, I forgot... I use a pressure cooker ALL the time, no gauge, just straight presure. Mine makes the chuchuchu sounds, well sssshhhhhhhhhhh sounds really while using it.
Never had a cooker with a gauge, my best friend bought me a 8 quart cooker for Christmas this past year and I haven't used it yet because of the way it is made...
If you need some tips on using it let me know...if it is the kind with the chuchuchu thing on top of it...

WoW, can't believe we hit 150 that plus the one we disconitued means WE TALK ALOT....lol.

:) Fran

Sassy

Annie, I'll be back shortly to check.

Shelby does this when he goes fishing (there are two things he does a lot)

LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

Sassy, how cute!

I love my pressure cooker, you can cook a roast in half the time!

LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

Yummy, Chicken and Dumplings, makes me hungry.

LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

I did a pork roast in my 4 qt cooker today, it was just a little 2 1/2 lb one, took 34 min. (I had to add 4 min for my altitude) It was AWESOME!! I would have to say by far one of the best roasts I've ever cooked! I am going to be doing a lot more pressure cooking now! I did a lot of researching on the web to make sure I didn't blow the house up LOL. I honestly don't think they are that dangerous if you follow directions. I told Jamie I am going to start collecting pressure cookers like I collect crock pots (I have one in every size they come in LOL)
I'm doing chicken thighs tomorrow, says it will take 7 min.

Sassy, that is so sweet of you! Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!!
And that's ok, I talk about Zack all the time too! And I hear G-babies are even MORE fun!

Love chicken and dumplings!!! I've only made them once and it was not a good thing!

Vic

Sassy, that is soo funny and WHOOHOO, Alan still tells me to "go way" when he is caught doing something wrong and he is 20 yrs old!!!!

I have to brag and advertise... I ordered some DL's from Blue Ridge DL's and OMGoodness!!! The plants I got were beyond perfect description!!!! Very HUGE fans with tons of tubers and sooo rich and green!!! I have ordered from two nurseries them being the second that have really amazed me. Others just wad up DL's and ship them. These plants were very thick and hardy.

Smiles,
Pixie

Vic, you love your kid/s with all you have, when you have g-kids you find more love than you knew you could have! ok, that was extreme, I can't explain it, sorry. Not that I don't love Julie as much. Its like a 3rd party mini/me!

Ok, I think I'll make you girls sweat it a bit, I'll show pics tommorrow of your winnings. Don't worry, you'll like!
I need to go to bed.

Talk tommorrow
And none of you have permission to win Annie's iris! lol
I do hope you all know I kidding!

Niters!
Sassy

Pix, WTG on the DL's!

Sassy, I'm gonna start calling you "Sappy Sassy" LOL
I seen an interview on TV and they (forget who) said "being a parent is like walking around the rest of your life with your heart outside your body"
I have to say, it's the best thing that has ever happened to me!
Tonight he wanted graham crackers, I gave him 2, he said "not just 2", I gave him another, he said "I don't want just 3" I told him to eat those and if he wanted more I would get them for him, as he walked away he said "oh, this is SERIOUS!" and he said it with soooo much attitude! I have NO idea where he gets that! LOL

Vic

:) Fran

Vic, nope it isn't that.

Lets try it this way, it has a total of 12 letters between the two words that I'm thinking of. And there are 5 vowels out of the 12 letters. Am I making sense?

Time for coffee!
LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

I smell the coffee brewing!
Annie

Mariann, my DD is doing well even though the rash has spread. She only started to blister in one section and the rest is staying in check. She has it on her arms and legs all the way up to her tush. Poor girl. She is taking a bit of benadryl now and again when she complains which isn't too often. She is still a happy little girl, though.

My DH has it now, too. His is much worse and has it everywhere. It is spreading like crazy. We've done all the treatments that we normally would do and haven't gotten it under control yet. Went to CVS last night and talked to the pharmacist and she didn't have the poison ivy kit that we talked about here but recommended a spray that will dry up the rash and also treat the itching. We'll see how that works. Next step will be the doctor's office and steroids. He doesn't complain much but the blisters are awful. Terrible stuff.

Sassy, I got your email and sent one back to you. Sorry it took me so long. I haven't been on the computer much lately and have neglected my emails. I am so happy that you DD went to her doctor. Thank goodness she will have some relief now!

Vic, you tortured me with your banana post. I love bananas! I used to cook with them all the time. They were my favorite quick food, snack, awesome on peanut butter sannies! Sadly, after I had my second son I became severely allergic to them. I get sooooo sick if I even have a small taste of one. It is so hard not to snag one when I'm hungry. I miss them so much! lol!

That Zach is a cute one. So, how hard did you crack up when he came back with that little comment? lol!

I am finding myself starting to wish for winter foods already. I am cooking less and less out on the grill. We had stuffed peppers for dinner the other night. The peppers were gigantic and so tasty! Most of my kids had never had them before and I was surprised at how much they liked them. Hubby and I were happy to add one more meal to the list of happy dinners.

Tracy

It is raining out today, but will make weeds come out easy.

I'll be back later,
LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

I hope you will give one of them a try and you enjoy it if you decide to make either one.

Fran’s Easy Chicken and "Dump"lings
Ingredients
Chopped cooked chicken (as much or as little as you like)
Chicken Broth/stock (from cooked chicken or canned)
1 ½ c. Milk (approx) (whole or canned)
2 ½ c. Flour
Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:
Set aside your cooked chopped chicken. In a large stock pot or large pot, depending on how much you intend to cook add your chicken broth/stock, this is your base and you need to add as much as you need to feed your family, add enough milk to change the color from clear golden to a creamy color., dash of salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
While your broth is heating in a large bowl: add 2 c. flour, salt, and pepper. Mix. Add ¾ c. milk, you should have enough milk to make a ball, if you do not add a little more milk, should you have added TOO much milk add a little more flour. It can look slightly dry OR sticky. Once you have this blended your stock should be boiling.
Take a teaspoon and chop off small OR large pieces of your dough ball, drop one at a time into the boiling liquid. Adding only a few pieces at a time, after you have begun to add the dough balls the heat will need to be turned down so it doesn’t boil over. After you have added all your dough balls, let everything simmer about 5 – 10, gently simmer, stirring continuously so it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot. ADD RESERVED CHICKEN…do not forget, or you will just have dumplings. :).
The liquid will still be slightly runny, not thickened. To thicken, take ½ c. flour place into small bowl, and add ¼ c. milk, mix be careful to take out as many lumps as possible, this needs to be as smooth as you can get it. This mixture should be runny. If it is too thick add a little more milk, it will be harder to mix at this point but make it as smooth as possible. Once it is smooth pour slowly in to pot, stir…this will thicken quickly. Place in bowls and enjoy!

Fran’s Chicken and NO Dumplings Stew
Ingredients
Chopped cooked chicken (as much or as little as you like)
Chicken Broth/stock (from cooked chicken or canned)
1 ½ c. Milk (approx) (whole or canned)
2 c. Flour
Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:
Add the cooked chopped chicken into a large stock pot or large pot, depending on how much you intend to cook add your chicken broth/stock, this is your base and you need to add as much as you need to feed your family, add enough milk to change the color from clear golden to a creamy color., dash of salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
While your broth is heating in a large bowl: add flour, salt, and pepper. Mix. Add 1 1/2 c. milk, this mixture should be of a thickened liquid consistency, not runny, not dough like. It will look like thick goop! Once this is mixed slowly incorporate this mixture into your boiling stock, turn down the heat before adding this to the pot. Stirring the mixture into the liquid a little at a time until it is all in the pot. Let this simmer on LOW heat about 3 – 5 minutes. This doesn’t take long to heat through, and make sure you keep stirring so it doesn't stick, cuz it will if you don't stir it. Once it's heated through, place in bowls and serve while hot.

This really makes a thick chicken soup, which I prefer over the lumpy chunks of sticky dumplings. Maybe you will like it too.

I just want ya'll to know I sat here and wrote this out to post, we all know when I make either of these I just dump everything together and measure nothing cuz know what it should 'look' like...lol.

Ok, tell me what you think if you try one or both...I'd like to know what you thought about the recipes!!!!

:) Fran

Vic kids really can be so funny. They certainly are amazing little creatures. I'm sure I sound like a blubbering idiot when talking about Kenzie but I just can't help myself. lol

Fran, I hope you're feeling better today hun.

Annie, some men like to have a beer while out fishing so I'll say Old Milwaukee. Girl I will be so thrilled for you when you tell us you're gonna be a MeMaw!

Tracy good to see you posting. You take care dear. These girls have me wanting to try the banana's w/choc now. I'm sorry to hear you can't eat them anymore. You know usually in the fall I make a huge batch of veggie soup and freeze in individual containers so I can pull out a couple of bowls on a cold winter night. Certain things I only like in the winter, veggie soup with cornbread is one of them. I think I'm going to be doing it early this year. I sure hope your family and Annie's dh gets rid of the poisen ivy. Thats some nasty stuff, it affects me the same way.

Fran, I have both receipes saved in my receipe file and will definitely be trying them. I've always made mine the old fashion way too but I'm always open to something new.

Ok, Annie, Vic and Pixie, here are 3 iris I have extras of so I'll give you a choice.
Hemstitched-Rebloomer

English Charmer-Rebloomer

Mariposa Skies

If any of you already have these, I'll re-group. lol

Sassy

Why do ppl only enjoy Truckey at Thanksgiving, soups, and Pinto beans in the winter time?
I fix pintos, with fixins' in the summer, usually don't have soup that much, only cook turkey at Thanksgiving, but ppl tell me all the time it is too hot for pinto bean suppers and soups in the summertime. However, I find this funny because we still eat HOT foods so where do these ideas come from?
BTW I don't have central air in the old house, it only has big windows. We finally got a window A/C unit last month for the livingroom, so I know what hot is...Annie, I just wanted to mention that...lol. Since you said you were spoiled to A/C. I wish we had a whole house heating and cooling system but the landlord is too cheap to put any money into this place, and we sure aren't footin' the bill.

I have the same problems with the poison icky plants too, thats why I knew about the pills at CVS, sorry those were not available there.

Those are the easiest ways I know of to do the chicken and dumplings. I tried it the other way one time...and thought gee there has to be an easier way... so this came to mind because of the easy chicken pie recipe...

ok, finished rambling now...

:) Fran

Sorry Sassy, nope not Old Milwaukee.

LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

Sassy let the other girls pick first.

LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

:( Fran

LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

Tracy-I'm glad your DD is doing a little better. I can't believe she has that much poison ivy and your DH the poor guy. You are, no doubt, the nurse through all this.

Annie-Does he say a little prayer before casting out??? Hoping to catch the really big one.

Sassy how is your DH doing??

Fran-Chicken and Dumplings is sounding pretty good to me about now.LOL

Vic-Did I see someone congratulate you on getting a job? I must have missed it somewhere along the way. What kind of job is it??

I guess I'd better check in more often.
Mariann

I will try and think of another clue here in a few, I have to start dinner.

LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

We had a quick dinner, tomato soup,grilled cheese, ice tea and of course I had to have coffee.

No one has guessed by game yet.

LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

Sassy

Fran, again your prize box will go out Saturday along with part of my box to Margaret.

LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

Whohoooo! I sure hope Fran doesn't stick me in her pot with the dumplin's!

Shushhhhh! (I think the weeee ones went to bed)

LOL! Going myself very soon.

Sassy

Annie no worries...thx for sharing.

Catch and release WELL DUH...WE DO IT TOO!!! I just feel to bad to think...that just never hit me until it was said and then the THROW the momma and daddy back SMACKED me right in the face...there you go, another DUH moment in the life and times saga of Fran...hehe

I'll email you tommorrow, speaking of graphics I need to ask you something. Not tonight, I'll do it tommorrow, feel better:)

Sassy

Slowski's appt (my turtle) was yesterday for a recheck on the little broken leg that the vet broke. He ended up getting a few shots (vitamins, and bloodwork) the bloodwork was to check his calcium level. The level came in close to normal, so that's good. The bill is close to $500, but I only had to pay $117 of it for the first visit when the vet broke the leg during the exam. I really had no choice other than to pay it or go somewhere else and start paying everything all over again. The vet did say that they would pay everything until the leg is healed. I talked with his supervisor and she asked me to give him another chance. He felt really bad. I did.. He's really gentle with Mr. Slowski now. I had no intentions of ever letting him touch the turtle again, until I thought about how he must feel.
I'm sure he feels horrible. Slowski's adorable! I'll try and post a pic of him soon. He's giving me a really hard time with eating. I've been hand feeding him several times a day, plus handfeeding him water. He has to go outdoors for a half hour per day to get vitamin D. He's been dragging (and grazing) the yard. He's a lot of work! I'm also still giving him his antibiotic shots. It's been going well until tonight. He's had it, he usually goes in his shell for the shot, but this time wouldn't and puffed up and looked straight at me, more crabbier than ever!
Well, that's about it for the turtle for now. I can't wait until he starts eating well again on his own! Say a little prayer for this little guy if you can. He's on no pain medicine at all. I asked if he could have some, and they said that the antibiotic shot is enough in his system for now. Imagine how we would feel if we were given nothing for pain? I can't even imagine!

Deb

Sassy, please don't feel bad I will get yours to you when I dig for your other stuff.

Sis is feeling quite good, she said they had a hard time getting blood and she says she is quite bruised up from it.

Deb, please do post pictures of Mr. Slowski, and how did you come up with that name for him?

I need my morning coffee, I've not had a cup yet.
LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

Coffee blahic, don't like it UNLESS it has flavorings..not plain coffee...ummm choco loca mocha...that's my speed, uuummmmmm yummmy.

Deb, I am sure Mr.Slowski will recover 100% since you are babying him...I bet he is loving all the extra attention, he just don't want you to know it.
I know nothing about turtles and would never think about having one as a pet because of my lack of knowledge I admire ppl who have alternative pets.
I have to believe he isn't in that much pain because of the leg...and that's what I am going to tell you, just to try and comfort you over the lack of pain meds. I would have hated if he'd been over medicided an you lost him because of that. He needs the antibiotics more, tell yourself that and try not to think about the other.

BUT sassy, I LIKE chicken...can't I play with yours?

:) Fran

Mariann, my DD is doing even better this morning. Her bumps have gotten smaller and is clearing in large patches. Yay! Hubby is getting annoyed with me. I keep reminding him to put on the cream to help him be comfortable. He said the creams don't make the itching stop just help in the healing. I reminded him that by healing he will be less itchy and was rewarded with a dirty look as he walked off to get the cream. Ah the joys of being a nag.

Deb, I'm glad to hear Mr. Slowski is starting to do ok. I hope he starts to eat better soon and you can stop giving the shots. I'm glad you have a kind heart and are letting the vet take care of the turtle. You're a good person.

Fran, I make my chicken and dumplings a bit different. It is pretty time consuming but our family loves it. I use a casserole dish and drop the dumpling mixture on top of the cream, chicken and vegie mixture and bake it in the oven. The dumplings turn out more like golden biscuits on the top and dumplings on the bottom. So good!

Oh gosh yes, love bananas with chocolate, ans then sprinkle wih any favorite crushed nuts. I've had my coffee, but no breakfast. I'm hungry!

Ok, here are the confirmation #'s

Margaret - 0307 0020 0000 3240 0742

Fran - 0307 0020 0000 3240 0735, and I'm e-mailing you.

Fran, it was only misting when I dug the hosta, I do all my packaging on my back porch/little hot house. Now I have to explain.

First Dh put a little deck on the back, then I said wow this would be a good if it was enclosed with windows hehe.(meaning to my madness) It is not finished, no drywall so there is all kinds of places to hang things from the roof beams. Three sets of double windows, and of course treaded lumber on the floor. It has little spaces between the wood on the floor so when I make a mess all I have to do is sweep the dirt through the cracks. Anyway, it makes a great little hot house. My kitties love to go out there and climb. It isn't real big, 6 1/2 foot wide, and about 8 1/2 ft long.

Time for breakfast!
LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

Annie it raining here too, though I'll probably go out in a bit and pull some weeds. I hate to waste the fact that they're so much easier to pull out. Don't worry about the iris, just when you have a chance. Good news about your sis! I know some of those people don't know what they're doing when it comes to giving shots/IV's.

Deb, hoping Slowski keeps healing girl. You must have patience to no end. We just do what we have to do.

Tracy, I's sorry. Please forgive:( I won't do it again I promise

Later girls, gonna go pull a few weeds.

Sassy

I know one of the box dinners comes with what you are talking about. I have been tempted to try one of those, but I just don't like some of those and I tend to stay away from them.
Gosh, I'd like to try that recipe!

I was also the guilty party who started the whole chocolate banana thang...gosh I am SOOOOOOOOO sorry you can not eat them now, that is awful. BUT in my defence VIC posted a LONG THANG about bananas in general...it all started with Vic...She's guilty I say G-U-I-L-T-Y!!! It was her...
That's my story!!! I'm innocent...really I am! And now I want one too, AGAIN!!!

Trac, I'm sorry you can't eat them anymore....I wouldn't know what to do if I couldn't did the docs give you a clue as to how you became allergic? I KNOW they can come on anytime, I was just wondering if they gave you an idea of what triggered it. Sorry hon.
I am really glad you DD is getting lots better...just ignore the hubby, or give the look right back, you know we have to power to glare down pat...hehe

:) Fran

LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

Tracy, sorry about the "B,s", I won't mention that word again! LOL
Glad your DD is getting better, and sorry about your stubborn DH, I think they are all like that!
I couldn't find "deer off" but I got some other stuff yesterday, used about half the bottle and sprayed everything down, then last night it rained like crazy! Had I known it would make it rain, I would have done it a long time ago! LOL

Fran, the recipes sound sooo good, I'm gonna try them both! I like the way Tracy's sounds too...

Well, my pressure cooker bit the dust! LOL I used it again yesterday and the seal is bad, I know I can get a new seal, but it's pretty old (g-sale find) and the bottom is warped a little, and the inside is starting to show a couple spots of pitting : (
Do you girls have any suggestions on which type to get??

Deb, good to hear he is improving! It must have been hard to give the vet a 2nd chance. I had a vet that I took Taz (my g-shephard) to yrs ago when I 1st got him for a puppy check, the vet acted like I was wasting his time, they were real busy that day. I didn't see him again for yrs, always used a diff. one in the office. Then Taz came down with heartworm, (he had even been on meds the yr before) It was a long grueling treatment and I ended up with that first vet, he was the greatest! I continued to use him everytime after that.

My, my, haven't we all got chatty all of a sudden! LOL

Vic

Zack loves to play in the rain (when we get it!)
But he hates taking a shower or getting his head washed!

Isn't it funny, if there is a mud puddle outside a child will always find it, but listen to some of them yell when they have to get cleaned up.

BTW, mine is a Mirro, pressure cooker and canner. I think I only paid around 50.00 for mine because I bought it when Shopko went out of business here. I haven't looked to see how expensive they are now.

Rain is coming down pretty good here, it is nice that we have not had to water except for the container plants.

LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

Filling:
1/4 C butter
1 1/2 lbs. chicken breasts cooked and cut up
2 C Carrots Chopped
1/2 C Chopped Onion
1/2 C Frozen Peas
1/2 C Butter
2/3 C Flour
1 1/3 C Milk
4 C Chicken Stock
1 tsp Sea Salt
2 shakes of fresh ground black pepper

Cut up cooked chicken breast into large cubes. Chop carrots and onion. In a large stock pot, melt butter and add carrots and onion. Sweat them until they appear softened, remove to 9" x 13" casserole dish with cut up chicken and peas.

Place pot back on the burner. Melt 1/2 Cup butter and 2/3 Cup Flour and Cracked Pepper until a bubbly paste forms (a rue). Pour 4 Cups Chicken Broth and 1 1/3 Cups Milk into pot and cook over medium heat until thick and bubbly. Taste to see if more salt and pepper are needed. Pour sauce over chicken and vegies in the baking dish. Set aside and preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Dumplings

2 C All Purpose Flour
1 Tbsp. Double Acting Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Salt
1/4 C Butter (cold, cut up)
3/4 C Milk
Sift Flour, Baking Powder, and Salt in a bowl. Add Cut up butter pieces. Cut with Pastry Blender or 2 knives until pea sized crumbs form. Add Milk and stir until combined. This will be a sticky dough. Drop by Tablespoonfuls onto Chicken Filling.

Place Baking Dish in preheated oven at 350 Degrees for approximately 45 minutes or until Dumplings are golden brown on top. You can tap them with your finger to see if they sound slightly hollow for doneness.

We like it so much that I took a picture of it. lol! Here it is:

Vic, Isn't that the way it always goes with putting any kind of spray, fertilizer, repellent type thing on our plants?! lol! Go figure! You should see me watch the weather before I have to do it. I keep checking and double checking the reports, look at radar, watch a different channels weather report all in hopes of the stuff not getting washed away. I hope yours had a chance to dry first before the rain hit. The Deer Off is still working here. The garden hasn't been touched since I sprayed in June. We've gotten plenty of rain in the mean time too so I hope yours sticks like glue for you.

T

Tracy, yummy, love the recipe.

Be back in a few, and oh yea, Fran and Margaret your packages are flying.

LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

Tracy, I read the bottle and it said it should last 3-4 mos under normal weather conditions, didn't say anything about a down pour the day of application! I'll have to wait and see, should be easy to tell, the little buggers pull my hens and chicks out every day!

Vic

I did get two shots in

Here is Dragon's Eye

Hosta A Many Splendid Thing

Vic, thank you so very, very, much!

LIFE IS GOOD,
Ann

Vic, no problem if you'd rather I choose the iris. Just wanted to give you girls some options. I got your email! Thanks

Tracy I want to reach in this screen and grab that dish!!!!
Wow, that looks good. I will certainly be trying that one very very soon. I've made one similar before but your just looks better! DH will love that one.

Annie I'm so proud for you. Those are great choices Vic. I love Dragon's Eye and I've always wanted that hosta. I love hostas so much, I have some on my back patio in pots thats the only shade I have and they have to be close up to the house. So pretty.

Hey, I wanted to run something past all of you. I'm sitting here realizing we're almost into Sept. and to tell you the truth I'm just not ready for our cookbook swap to be over with, lol, and also I need a post from any of you that have received boxes so I don't have to read pages to catch up. I'm going to try to get Tracy's box out on Monday but I don't have a problem if this swap runs over into Sept if you all don't. I love all the receipes we keep coming up with and I was thinking that will save us all from feeling like we have to start working on another swap box. What do you all think? We can still play games, and collect more receipes.

Just let me know your thoughts
Sassy

Tracy again, I's sorry bout da nanners, we all are:)

I don't have to work tonight,yippee, but I do have to give meds at 8:00a.m. which will only take about 1/2 hour and then I'm off till 11p.m. saturday night.

Since I don't have to work tonight, lets do another game. What is my son's favorite fruit There are 2, so 2 answers=2 prizes. One of them will be a start of hosta "June", and the other will be a start of TB iris, "Dark Triumph".

These will be mailed out after the holiday.

LET THE GAME BEGIN!

Here is what Dark Triumph looks like

LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

This will give me more time to get some more stuff for Margaret :O) :O)!

LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

That is a very thoughtful thing for you to do, you'll make someone really happy and I'll try to do the same, mine will also be a mixture. I'll try to be thinking up a game while we're playing yours. Its so hard it seems to think up something for me. lol (Now let me see...hummmmm where did I put your dh's phone #)

Sassy

Do you need my Dh phone number?

I'll e-mail you with mine, shoot me back yours and I will give you a call.

I'm confused,
Annie

Again, I'm so sorry, but yes I'll be glad to send you my phone # but please don't call for a few minutes till I can stop crying from laughing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey seriously

OMG!
Sassy

Here is my little back porch/makeshift little hothouse looks like it has the same size windows on all three sides. If you look you can see through it.

Right now here is what is in my little hothouse

Garden cart Shelby and DeAnna got me

Irises I've dug today that need planted/new home.

That is so funny Sassy! Oh lord, get me your list!

LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

I don't have to work, I want to play,and everyone is in hiding. I don't have to go in till tomorrow night, I talked someone else into giving meds in the morning.

I'm talking to myself here.
LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

P.S. nice talking to you Sassy :O) :O). FYI I told hubby if your number came up on his phone, just ignore it.......Jk of course. ;o) ;o)

LOL believe me, he doesn't have to worry about it!

I still get tickled everytime I think about it. lol

It does feel good to get that shower doesn't it? I got so much done today pulling weeds, just exactly what I needed to do!

Have a good night, guess we'll talk tomorrow.

Sassy

I went out for a drive this evening. I did some shopping for my box for Sassy. It is so much fun finding things for other people! Gotta love it.

I have caught the hosta bug bad! I keep on ordering more and more and more! It has gotten a little ridiculous. I had to rearrange my whole shade garden to make room for the new ones, added on to the rock garden for mini hosta and heuchera. I am just addicted, plain and simple!

I really like the idea of extending this month's swap into September. Fits right in with all the craziness we have going on here. The kids started back to school on Wednesday so we had tons of school shopping and clothes shopping to get done. It's funny how quiet the house is with only my daughter home with me. She keeps asking "Where's my guys?" after she wakes up in the morning.

Annie, I will guess that Shelby's favorite fruits are Grapes and Apples. Am I right? Huh, am I?

Sassers, I hope Jerry likes the chicken and dumplings. They will surely stick to his ribs! It is one of my favorite recipes to make when I need a pick me up. Serious comfort food in that there dish! lol!

Vic, I will cross my fingers that it holds on the leaves for you! Most of those sprays dry within 20 minutes or so.

Going into Sept. is fine by me too, I can send next week if Beth wants, or the following, and I'm in no hurry!
But, we don't have to do a swap every month do we? If everyone is busy we could still chat and share recipes and everything else!

Sassy, they are all so pretty it's hard to choose! I like everything, and don't have any of them. I just started getting into iris, only had a few purple I brought from the last house, but I've gotten some since moving here and haven't seen any of them bloom yet.

Annie, sorry bout the batteries, I didn't think they would last long. If your rechargable ones don't last long in it ya might want to pick up some lithium ones, they last a lot longer than reg batteries.
Your porch looks great! We have a little back room here that I call the sun room, it only has a sliding glass door and no windows but it's small enough that the door keeps it very bright, we haven't used it at all this summer, it's too hot. Jamie said it stays very warm in the winter too, I'm hoping to do some winter sowing in there.

Wish I had more plants to share, I would do a game.....maybe I can come up with something! LOL

Tracy, I've only seen one rabbit all day!! Usually when I walk outside they are all over, at least 3-4 of them. And there's one of them that made himself a nice cozy little spot to lay in the middle of my bed to sunbath in! They don't even run when I go outside! But, like I said, only one today, and he didn't get too close to the flower bed! "knocking on wood"

Margaret CONGRATS!!!! That is wonderful! And yes, you need a camera so you can show them off to us!!

I had this come up today...
Chicago Apache

and this was in with them that I thought was the same thing

I just got this in the MNF "garden junk" swap, isn't it cute!

Ok, I've rotated it like 10 times, but photobucket keeps putting it back sideways! so just tip your head! LOL
Vic

LADIES, I was busy working on my Birthday Bash swap... that is why I wasn't talking...lol.
BUT YA'LL HAD ME CRACKED UP TOO...the phone misunderstanding was WAY WAY TOO FUNNY...I was taking a drink of water when I read Annie say, I'll give it too you if you need it...I KNEW what you meant right off...OH, that was SO GOOD!!!
WHO NEEDS MOVIES when there is this group?

Tracy, the dish YOU call chicken and dumplings I/WE here in the south call it Chicken Pot Pie...very close indeed to how we do that too. Umm YUMMY...

I just want all of you too know...I should NOT have joined this swap...WHY?????? You might ask??? Well, remember the OTHER thread? it was mentioned about dieting? Well, THAT IS WHY...lol.
Such good recipes have been posted...FATTENING ones mind you...The ones that pass the lips straight to the hips!!!

I since the start of warmer weather have lost so far:,b>28 lbs and I am so superstition about it I am really afraid to talk about it in fear it might just jinx me and I begin gaining it all back again...HOW DUMB IS THAT?

I wanna grandkid....I can't believe I just said that, DON"T TELL MY KIDS...they don't need any just yet, the are still babies themselves, don't tell'em I said that either.

Sassy turned in just when it started getting good...lol.

I like the room too, leave the floor...u need it that way.

fruit guess: Strawberry and the 'B' word we are not allowed to mention anymore...YEH that one tracy...sorry, it is like Vics butt, it seems to follow us...

Ok, I'm done for now,
:) Fran

Slowski's eating on his own FINALLY! He ate two slices of tomato! I'm so happy! This means I don't have to hold him up to his water anymore to drink, or hand feed him!

I still didn't have a chance to read through all the posts. ;(

Deb

I like frogs, sis collects frogs, and her son’s nick name is Frog

Sassy you really got me on that one!

Tracy, I will have to see what I can do to give your hosta addiction
a boost.I will be dividing next month. Shelby’s favorite fruit is
not apples and grapes.

Margaret, maybe you will get your iris today. Please write down the
ones I’ve sent you so far. I’ve got more for you in your next box or
when we get together, but I forgot to write which ones I’ve sent.
Congratulations on the new g-grandbabies, how wonderful.

Fran, wow, congratulations to you on the weight loss, I need to, and
it is easier said than done, what is your secret? Nope, Shelby does
like strawberries, but that is not his favorite.

Deb, I’m so happy that Mr. Slowski is eating. Post pictures
when you can., and how much longer do you have to give him shots?

Fran, I didn’t mean anything about the batteries. I was so excited to
get the camera, and I’m sorry I worded it like that I hope I didn’t
hurt your feelings. You definitely didn’t need to send any batteries.
You went out of your way to send it, and I’m so grateful. Your
little guy is so cute, and how old is he? I hope you package comes
to day and!!! I see you want columbine, I’ve got Blue Barlow,
and McKanna’s Giants, I will get them out to you after the holiday.

LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

SEPTEMBER SUN

Vic, your frog man is adorable! I love him! Looks like Zach has a new buddy! lol! Too cute! Congrats on just the one bunny being in the yard. Woo hoo! They are such cute critters but they do so much damage to the gardens.

Fran, I was laughing because when I created that recipe I stole the filling from a chicken pot pie recipe and the dumplings from another recipe and slapped them together. I love the thick creamy sauce of pot pies! Our pot pies up here have two butter crusts. Our family is too big for pot pies anymore unless I make individual ones and that is too much fussing around. The chicken and dumplings was the perfect solution to my craving them. lol!

Congratulations on the weight loss! That is amazing! I know how superstitious you must feel about it. I lost a lot of weight this summer but haven't weighed myself for fear of getting it all back. I've gone down 2 clothes sizes so that is good enough info for me to know it is happening. lol!

Annie, your hosta's are beautiful! I ordered September Sun this spring but the grower ran out of stock so I missed out on that one. Fair Maiden is beautiful! I love the swirling white margins. What a perfect name for her! You are already enabling my addiction by showing us your beauties!

OK, guessing again, peaches and pears?

Going back outside,
LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

Everyones plants are beautiful...I like DL, Hosta...Annie irises are just knock-outs... I want I want I want...all of it...LOL

Annie, I LOVE that work station...my so made me an outside station under a tree and a MOVEABLE table...I have been meaning to post pics but my batteries died and I have to lug around the BIG heavy power cord...
I Hate my camera...it is a 98 DC210 from Kodak....very outdated...BUT it still work ok so no new one just yet...:(.

I still want a grandbaby....all yah who ar getting some are so blessed indeed.

Ded glad things are looking up for you. YEAH...road to recovery...its a GOOD thing...

Guess (u didn't say if the 'B" word was a fav or not,so since it isn't ruled out I stand on that one...Its my claim IF it is correct...LOL) Blueberries and Cherries lol.

:) Fran

I really have out side pulling weeds, in fact I've put about 8 bushels full in the back of hubby's truck so he can take to the dump site where we can take grass clippings etc to be burned.I take a fluid pill for high blood pressure so I make many trips in the house.LOL

I've got some recipes to share later.

LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

Sassy, sounds great to hold over through Sept cause I am working on something that I want to add to my box to Karem.

I have been missing so am going to have to go back and read ALOT I see lol.

Vic, the froggy is very cute, Zach is adorable!!!

Smiles,
Pixie

Fran, you can do whatever you like. If you look closely at most dumpling recipes they are just about the same as a biscuit recipe. You could do Bisquick biscuits or really cheat and get the canned biscuits from the grocery store. Those aren't quite as good as home made but will do in a pinch for a quick meal. Use frozen carrots instead of fresh to eliminate the sweating of the vegies step too. I've done all kinds of short cuts with this recipe. This version has the most flavor. Sometimes I use the leftover base to chicken soup. Strain the broth out over a measuring bowl and dump the pieces parts into the casserole dish. Then use the broth for the "goopy stuff" and you are halfway home. Great way to get rid of leftover soup.

LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

LOL

Tracy, I CHEAT a LOT...I use veg-all veggies most of the time for my veggies for a chicken pot pie, and sometimes no veggies just for a striaght chicken pie... I do love the crust on the bottom and top, my grandma used to make the chicken pies that way....gosh I miss hers. So good.
I have made them recently, but I CHEATED on those too, I got the roll out pie shells in the freezer section, pillsbury or whatever brand is cheapest and use those for the crust. Although I did go all out 2x and make my own crust for them.

I don't like canned bisquits, not usually. Sometimes if I am in a mood to be SUPER lazy I get the buttermilk bisquits, and the kids favorite, the layers kind....

Annie, we realized what you did, changed our names. Thats ok...we knew who you meant...lol. Either I am weighing heavy on your mind for some reason, OR I'm so special I have to been named twice...(KIDDING...lol)

Ok, I am through again for now...
I am fixing homemade tomato soup for supper...why? Cuz for some reason it stuck in my head that I wanted it...I DON"T even like it...
I am thinking I might just have to make me some eggdrop soup...

Somebody (and I can't remember who I can' go back and look cuz I am on the make corrections side now) asked me how I was losing the weight. I really can't tell you...I do not have a clue, the only thing I am doing different now that I had not been is eating a lot more fresh veggies, and even that hasn't worked in the past...
I have no clue, unless the diabetes that has been looming over my head for years is deciding to kick in....I really do not know what it is...
I am happy for it, but I don't want any medical issues to be the reason...

ANYWHO...I guess I am going to go check on other things around the site....

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend so far...

:)Fran (always the pest)

Ok Kiwi...I started to post that anyway and thought nah...that ain't it either...so now that is waht I am saying...

:o Fran

I will get it out to you after the holiday, please send me your address.

LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

You go girl...whoopwhoop...

Annie that was tough...lol.

Fun, but tough..

:>() Fran

Its very sunny and hot here (hey its S. Texas right?) Its also OFF time again.

Annie, I love your games!!

Smiles,
Pixie

WOO HOO! I WON! I AM SO DOING THE HAPPY DANCE! THANK YOU ANNIE! YOU ARE THE BEST!

I'm thinking of a famous place. I will give you some clues in a few.

LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

Here is a picture of Beverly Sills

Congrads Tracy!!

Annie-SanDiego, Calif. according to my DH the temps are in the 70's year round.

Deb-I'll keep an eye out for the box.

We went to Well-Sweep today and I took a few pics of the herb gardens.

BASILS

I am lost with all the posts. Trina did anyone guess your DH's first name?
Mariann

Mariann, Well-Sweep is beautiful! I love that knot garden in the top photo. I was telling my hubby and some friends about those gardens a few weeks ago. I am aspiring to design one some day and lay it out in the center of the yard. That one is striking with the different colored hedges.

Sassy just wanted to say I'm so glad your DH is doing ok.. wow that must've been so scary!

Thanks to all that left posts or sent emails about my mom's passing.. it has been a real rollercoaster of emotions and I'm guessing it gets harder before it gets easier.. I almost p/u the phone yesterday to call & tell her something.. anywho.. don't wanna turn this into a downer, I just wanted to say thanks so much to all that had kind words of encouragement, it really meant alot to me!

Annie can I guess on the place? I'm gonna say Beverly Hills.. :)

I have so many recipes to catch up on! yumm :)

Hugs everyone!
~Wendy / sassybutterfly_2008

Wendy, sorry no it is not Beverly Hills. I'm on my way to work but will check tomorrow where I'm staying at to see if anyone guessed it. I can play games from where I am staying.

I've never heard of Well-Sweep Mariann, it is beautiful.

I'm wondering if anyone received their packages yet?

LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

(right?) lol

Hugs everyone,
Wendy

Annie, I didn't take any offense to the battery thing! It never even crossed my mind that it sounded like you were upset about it, I was surprised they still worked at all! LOL. That is sweet of you to send the columbines! You really don't have to do that, although, I won't try too hard to talk you out of it! : )
Yep, Clue #2 gave it away fast LOL
No package yet, must be for monday, good thing it's iris, I'm sure they will be fine.

Mariann, love the pics! and the ones on the other thread!

Vic

OH WENDY I am SO glad to see you post again...I have wanted to email you, but I just wanted to give you time and space and let you get back into the swing of things when you felt you were ready. (((HUGS TO YOU)))) I wish I could help make it all better...

tracy way to brag..LOL.. ur happy dance is SO like annoying and all...HEHEHE(love yah)

Vic...I KNOW...DUH!!! PLUMS WHO would've thunk it?

:) Fran

Wendy, I was in a hurry to get out the door last night that I forgot to give you my codolences. I know how hard it is, and I know you have heard this before, but it does get easier. I remembr when I lost my dad we was devastaed but we still had mom, then after mom passed It was like we were a bunch of orphans. Send me your address and I will get it to you, but not until after the holiday.

I'm glad I've got a computer to use where I'm staying, so I can play another game for another Beverely Sills. I will think of another game before I head for bed. I think I know what I'm going to play, but I have to check it out first.

LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

:)

Fran, what? You don't like Laurel and Hardy? What is wrong with you? Sheesh! Sorry if I was over exuberant, just a happy girl here. See? I've calmed down a little now. lol!

We had a pretty big rain storm today. We really needed it. Our lawn is bone dry and I have been trying not to watering too much because we run on a well here. I do my containers with grey water much of the time but the big beds were starting to suffer. We could use quite a lot more days like today to help us catch up.

Sassy, how are things with you? I hope the patients are behaving themselves and starting to take care of you now. How is that little smoocher doing? Give Kenzie a big hug for me!

Annie, How nice that you have a computer while you work. I am guessing alka seltzer? lol!

Tracy

I don't have internet access at work. I have it where I'm staying during the week to help To cut down on gas cost.

I will have to think of a harder game, I'm goig to lay back down for a while. 11p.m will come fast.

LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

Wow, we just had the equivalent of a flash flood today I think! I had huge puddles all over my yard.... we needed it tho I guess!

ok girls, my 11yr old daughter just *decided* to become a vegetarian.. she tells me this on Friday mind you, over a plate of sesame seed chicken, so I say ok, well, you won't be wanting to eat THIS then! she was like wait mom! I don't wanna start til Monday! hehe Anywho.. any veggie recipes or full-fledged vegetarian recipes would be greatly appreciated. I tried allrecipes.com tonight, got some, but not alot. She's gonna *try* it for a week.. we'll see! :P

Hugs all,
Wendy

Wendy, Vegetarian huh? Hmmm....you could start cooking all her favorite meats! LOL
Try recipezaar.com they have tons of stuff, and even a place where you can "sift" out (or in) the stuff you want. Hope this helps.

Vic

Seek Codes

MySpace Graphics

Tracy I LOVE Laurel and Hardy, the little happy dance was too much...HAHAHA DANG GIRL,,,yous good at the guessing thang, I just couldn't figure that one out...didn't KNOW
there even was a little little alka seltzer man... I was totally lost on that one....lol.

GOOD GRIEF you should see the annoying little thing DAN put on another thread...it is REALLY annoying...lol.
The good thing is that one is about to hit 150 so that will be good...lol.

Annie have a good night.

:) Fran

Guess I'll start checking on prickly pear and burdock recipes.......

Night all,
Vic

Well, I think I will post a game now for all of you girls and give Annie a chance to win something for a change!

Question: What is my absolutely favorite kitchen tool to use? Hint #1: It is Japanese and has a special name.

umm.. Ginsu knives?? LOL couldn't resist.. :P
uhh.. a mandolin slicer thingie? is that Japanese? lol
hmm.. maybe a mortar and pestle? dunno if that's Japanese either.. but making some wild guesses here :)

Hugs,
Wendy

Think I should mention what you will win? LOL! It will be for a division of Caramel Heuchera

is a whisk Japanese?? LOL
rice cooker??
umm.. bamboo steamer?
teapot? grater? skewers? metal strainer?

If it's chopsticks, I'm gonna smack myself..lol

Seriously can you tell how bad I wanna win this? LOL
Hugs,
Wendy

Is that it? Is it? Oh I HOPE I am so right...hehehe

:) Fran

Deb

P.S. Annie the Irises arrived today. What a great way to package them. I'll have to remember that. Thanks!

Deb, nope not kushi skewers, although those things are awesome! I use the bamboo skewers and soak them in water when using them on the grill.

Fran, YOU GUESSED IT! Yes, a Santoku Knife is my very favorite tool to use in the kitchen! Congratulations! Zip me an email and I will send you your Caramel Heuchera.

Mariann, what a wonderful box Deb sent you! All of those goodies sound awesome.

So nvm on the vegetarian recipe requests, not that they were pouring in anyways lol All it took to end my girl's Vegetarian days was the smell of pepperoni pizza, from the school cafeteria no less! LOL lil stinker! She came home, I said so how was your chef salad today? and she comes and hides her face in my hug and starts gigglin'.. I knew right then she had folded already! lol Wonder what she'll come up with next? :)

Hugs everyone!
~Wendy

Wendy honey, I will share some with you. Again I am glad to see you posting. I still have your stuff you wanted for our trade. If you are up to it email me. Hey, didn't I tell you that phase doesn't usually last long...lol, hers was shorter than I thought though...LOL.

Annie, I got my presents today...THANK YOU SO MUCH...

Thanks tracy

:) Fran

Wendy, that's too funny! At least ya didn't stock up on tofu before she changed her mind, ya didn't did ya??

Vic

Fran I am so behind on my emails right now it's unreal! I hope to start going thru my email box by tomorrow afternoon/eve, so I should be mailing you on that no later than end of week! I appreciate your patience!

Vic that's exactly what I was googling too! lol But I was going w/ the layman's terms.. who knew she had such a fru-fru fancy schmancy knife! hehe lol :P

I made Shrimp Scampi, steamed squash/zucchini and garlic bread for dinner... no vampires around here tonight that's fo' sho'!

Hugs ya'll,
Wendy

Congrats Fran.

Congrats to you also Wendy and also for your daughter not becomining a vegan. (if there needs to be congrats on that lol who knows). I most definately couldn't be one as long as there were still cows roaming the earth! lol

Well had to finally go see the pool man with a sample of our pool water. lmao for the next 48 hours going to be shocking and brushing the pool WHOOHOO FUN FUN but then in 3 days Imma swimming!!!! Come to find out lmao I ain't the only one in this house that has brunette moments!!! Fox had the pump on something other than filter so the water wasn't going through the sand filter lol hmmm can't say a word though cause he was nice enough to hook the thing up for me eh?? yeah right lmao I aint that quiet!

skeeters have taken to breeding in the trays I didn't put up after I winter sowed here, learned that this afternoon too lol. So looks like I will be really busy doing clean up outback tomorrow. Lovely Lovely Lovely lol

Alan cooked supper tonight (ok ya'll get over the shock) he cooked mac and cheese, venison sausage, and is now cooking venison tenderloin chicken fried steak style (the way I make it). I hate the smell of boiled sausage though YUCK. He is also making broc./cauliflower and cheese. WOW eh? He is cooking for a couple of his friends lol so he is impressing I guess.

Gonna have to pay better attention so I can start guessing on games again lol.

Smiles,
Pixie

Ok, I'm gone to read now:)

Sassy

oh Margaret you poor thing! *hugss* I'm glad you at least had such a lovely box to open up and bring SOME cheer to your day! *more hugss*

~Wendy

Sheesh I don't do enough cutting but I sure can throw them!!!

lol j/k
Trina

Warrior Princess, I'm right there with ya girl! Umm, with the dollar store knives, not the warrior princess stuff LOL

Vic

ANYONE else? ...

*giggle giggle snort!
~W

Wendy, I have a picture in my mind of you dressing up as Xena, Warrior Princess! OMGoodness! Do you have the leather and brass bustier thingy in your closet along with your swords? ROFL!

so that's where underwire came from!

yea yea just switch her to blonde hair, green eyes

yea and my sword's bigger dangit!

blonde jokes next right? *sighhh :P

lol gnite u nuts,
~Wendy

Wendy-And on what special evenings do you wear that costume??? Do you play Dungeons ad Dragons too? That photo looks like my DD's persona when she games.LOL
Fran-Congrats on winning!
Mariann

we're ALL nuts and I for one, am proud of it! :)

It's icky and overcast and really rainy.. and what really sucks is that my son has a drs appt at 9am.... and the driver's side window on my van doesn't roll up. Can u possibly imagine how 'thrilled' I am at this moment!?! arghhh.....

Hugs everyone!
~Wendy

Who'd a thought our own little Sassybutterfly likes to hack away with big knives?

Beth, I've been looking for something to put in your box, and of course I can't find it anywhere! Grrrr

Vic

WOMAN HEAR US ROAR..UHHHH!ERR!!!

Ok, I done...

I would own it too Wendy IF muh fanny would fit....ROFLMAO!

You better believe it, when I was a little girl, Isis was a super hero, guess who I pretend played to be?

:) Fran

Now, on a more serious note, Wendy, you go ahead and wear that costume ANYTIME you want! (grin)

~Wendy
aka Warrior Princess *assumes bad-a$$ stance...

lol

I wish! :D

~butterflywarriorwomanwannabe