The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . January 5, 2016

Outside my window . . . it's sunny and cold with a heavy frost sitting on the ground.

I am thinking . . . several meetings today and what I will discover.

I am thankful . . . the prayers of faithful friends.

In the kitchen . . . we've had Inside Out Ravioli, Honey Baked Ham and Bean Soup, and Chicken Pot Pie recently. I'm not sure what tonight will be.

I am creating . . . a prayer shawl made from all those left over bits and pieces. Kind of like a crazy quilt.

I am going . . . continue praying and talking and having faith that things will get better around here.

I am wondering . . . how long it will take me to get back into a routine following the holidays.

I am reading . . . well, really re-reading A is for Alibi by Sue Grafton. I'm not sure how many times I've read the Kinsey Milhone novels, but it seemed like a good time to revisit them.

I am looking forward to . . . my next day of crafting with my bestie.

I am hearing . . . Squeaker's nails tap-tap-tapping on the floor. It's incredible to me that she 16 years old and still so active.

Around the house . . . undecorating from Christmas . . . SLOWLY!

I am praying . . . for my relationship with my husband; for peace; and for many friends who are having struggles right now.

One of my favorite things . . . doing my blog.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . lots of meetings and errands this week. Hoping for some time for quiet thought and meditation.

Here's a picture for thought I am sharing . . .

linking up with The Simple Woman

Inside Out Ravioli

I actually made a menu list last week!

Well, my best friend and I made one while I drove to the grocery. But it still counts, right?

I used to always do a menu list each week before making my grocery list, but somehow I've fallen off the wagon. The good news is, it does make cooking dinner A LOT easier. One of last week's meals was a favorite recipe I got from a co-worker when I lived in Memphis 25 years ago.

I like this recipe because it's hearty and filling, and it's a one dish meal, which is great for a cold winter night.

1 ½ pounds ground chuck
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz. can tomato sauce
2 10-oz. packages frozen spinach
8 oz. macaroni, or any small pasta
½ cup chopped onion
8 oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 small can tomato paste
1 large jar spaghetti sauce
2 eggs
Parmesan or Mozzarella cheese

Cook spinach according to package directions adding ½ cup extra water. Drain spinach, reserving liquid. Cook macaroni, drain and set aside. Brown beef with garlic and onion. Drain. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, spaghetti sauce, and ½ cup spinach liquid. Simmer 30 minutes. Beat eggs and add to spinach and grated cheese. Casserole can be layered: pasta, spinach mixture, meat sauce. Top with Parmesan or mozzarella cheese. OR Stir all ingredients together and pour into greased casserole and top with cheese of your choice. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.


Serves 6-8

Happy eating!

Linking up with Made by You Monday

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . September 20, 2011

Outside my window . . . I have been seeing a myriad of birds. All the usual finches, wrens and cardinals, but also many hummingbirds. I thought I was long past hummingbird season, but now I'm wishing I had a feeder set up for them. The other exciting discovery are the eastern bluebirds. I have not seen them in this number before! I am so happy they are making a comeback, as they are beautiful.

I am thinking . . . about why it is so difficult for me to do things I like without feeling guilty about it.

I am thankful . . . for the ability to sing. I find great joy in singing. I lost that joy for a while, but lately it seems to be returning.

From the learning rooms . . . an intense discussion on the ethics of using animals for testing purposes. Where is the line?

In the kitchen . . . the mojo is slowly returning. Last night was cheese ravioli with marinara sauce and a tossed salad. Tonight it's quiche and sliced fruit.

I am wearing . . . my summer weight robe and blue Crocs.

I am creating . . . an afghan for my sister in law's Christmas present. She is a huge University of TN fan, so I am working with (gaudy) orange and white!

I am going . . . to yoga class and then come back home and hopefully stay in all day!

I am wondering . . . about the idea that God instilled me with the strength necessary to handle this life. There is no other explanation that makes any sense to me.

I am reading . . . Still reading The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister. I have not been "sucked into" it as I had expected to be.

I am hoping . . . for inspiration to strike on some rearranging and organizing issues I am having around the house. I think the real answer may be to get rid of some stuff!

I am looking forward to . . . seeing "Wicked" with my dd. We have tickets to a matinee on Halloween!

I am hearing . . . lots of doggie toes!

Around the house . . . is Sarge!

I am pondering . . . Psalm 139:16
Your eyes saw my unformed substance, and in Your book all the days [of my life] were written before ever they took shape, when as yet there was none of them.

One of my favorite things . . . is discovering new information. I am doing the Precepts study of Daniel and have discovered many things in the second half of the book. I can't imagine that I have not read these chapters before, but it all seems new to me right now.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . not much which is kind of nice.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing . . .

120 pounds of puppy!

for more visit The Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . December 18, 2012

Outside my window . . . it is clearing, but still warmer than usual. Oh well, the one thing you can count on here is the weather will change . . . regularly.

I am thinking . . . we are one week away from Christmas and I am feeling incredibly calm. It's nice heading into the final week without feeling all the anxiety I've felt in the past. I see this as growth and good work on my part.

I am thankful . . . that my ds was able to retrieve my data from my old hard drive. So much information, pictures, and music. I'm so happy he was able to retrieve it.

In the kitchen . . . last night was Inside Out Ravioli and garlic toasties. I'm not sure about tonight, since I'm not sure how many I'm feeding for dinner.

I am wearing . . . my yoga pants and a couple of tank tops.

I am creating . . . the striped afghan I started during the summer. I picked it back up yesterday and realized I'm not that far from being finished. I'm a little confused on where I was in the pattern, but since it was a random pattern, I've decided not to worry about it.

I am going . . . to the used bookstore with my dd this afternoon. We have some books to (hopefully) sell, and then look around for some Christmas presents.

I am wondering . . . about traditions. I don't think traditions can be enforced on others. I think traditions naturally occur out of things that the whole family enjoys. Comments?

I am reading . . . Two Truths and a Lie by Katrina Kittle. This is actually the 3rd time I've read this book. I recently loaned it to my daughter and she found it to be a disturbing read. I didn't remember it as disturbing, so I'm reading it again. I really like these characters a lot!

I am looking forward to . . . continuing to enjoy having all my peeps at home.

I am hearing . . . Christmas music from Pandora. I typed in "Bing Crosby" and a holiday station popped up. It's lovely.

Around the house . . . things are getting better. We're working on organizing, and getting the house clean -- just because. Not because we're having company or because I feel guilty, but because it's nice to have things lovely just for us.

I am pondering . . . the more relaxed pace the holidays have brought us this year.

One of my favorite things . . . not feeling stressed. Yes I recognize that's a negative favorite thing, but it's where I am right now.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . yoga class, an appointment tomorrow, a meeting, and guest for dinner, and then it will be the weekend before Christmas : )

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing . . . 

the goodie basket I did for my parents

for more visit The Simple Woman's Daybook