Walking

 I spend every other day walking around our beloved Lindo Lake.  I have been walking here for years.When the girls were small we would bring them on their little bikes. They used to play on the playgrounds. I have seen many changes through the years. This year has been one of the biggest and a first.

 This is a picture of the east side of the lake last spring. Lots of wildlife, birds and fish.

 This is a picture of the same east lake now. WHAT HAPPENED??? Well the  run off from Lake Jennings that was used to keep this, our little lake full has gotten infiltrated with some kind of mussel or clam or some such thing,  " they", the great Lake Gods... decided they did not want to them to start growing here for fear of taking over and ruining the Eco system here. Good decision with sad temporary consequences .So they shut off that same overflow and closed off the east and west sides of the lake letting the east side dry up.

 This is Gus.... He's my little walking buddy.

 They have had crews in for the last few weeks cutting back all the over growth that started filling up the lake bed and today, Seth and I walked out into the, well pretty much middle. If you look real close at the cracks, you may be able to see the ground water. Its still there and gives great hope!!

 This is Seth walking past some of the cattails they cleared out.

 It's quite baron looking now and we are waiting, not so patiently , for the rains to come.

 It looks so eery and strange to be in the middle looking out. Fun though to be able to walk were we never could before. It's not nearly as deep as we thought it was. This is the only natural lake in San Diego County.

This is a view from the West side of the lake. It is still full and filled with ducks, geese and the cutest little mud hens. Herons, sea gulls, and more. It is also home to many birds that come and go like these pelicans that have been enjoying it here for the past few weeks. This picture was actually taken from the bench press I use to work my arms. It's so wonderful to breathe deeply and look at all this.
I am truly blessed. My knees are doing great. I'm getting more and more energy and am able to accomplish more everyday.
Thanks for stopping by.... be blessed, Sue

Yep..... Its Autumn alright

 So even though we have been "watching" football and stitching away for a few weeks now, it seems like today....finally.... It's here. We have rain in our forecast and its been a pretty blustery day, all day long.  I got out early and got my walk on. hahahah Even though I wasn't quite feeling it all that much today. I can feel the weather changes in my knees and in my shoulder... This is not a sign of old age.... This is a sign of metal knees and a car accident shoulder.. ... At least that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

 Remember how I always cooked down our jack o lanterns and roasted the seeds? Well this year I  bought a couple of sugar baby pumpkins, the kind used specifically for pies. Mmmm Mmmmm Mmmmmmm. There is a large difference in the meat. I baked it first and then pureed it in the blender. I have been having pumpkin in just about everything from my protein drinks to my oatmeal. So good.

 Before I set out of the house today I made up a good ol' beef stew for the crock. Boy... it sure makes dinner something to look forward to when you have had to smell something so darn good allllllldayyyyylonggg.

 I found these beautiful sunflowers at the grocery yesterday. I walked past them at first....

 Then turned my cart around and snatched them up. They were the last bunch and am I glad I did. They are so cheerful and happy. Bright and sunshiny. and even though that isn't usually something I think about to much, they have brightened it up in here today.

 Since we changed the clocks back it has been getting so dark in here so early, because of the mountain behind us. It always surprises me... even though I have been here forever... I'm never quite ready to feel like closing up shop at 3:30 or 4 pm.

 I bought my amaryllis bulb yesterday as well. Shall I tell you the color of the bloom now of make you wait. Hmmmmmmm we'll see. These have brought me so much joy over the years. When the girls were little we planted it together and they helped me turn it towards the sun to try to keep the stem straight. Do you remember??

 I have always wanted to make a Log Cabin Quilt.  This is my attempt. I am hand piecing it. I love the colors which will show up better in later posts ( remember there is no sun today) Seth and I talked about getting a new four poster bed for our new bedroom in Georgia. This will go on it nicely.

I was contemplating my fruit bowl this morning as I sipped my coffee. Since I have started eating so healthy I have noticed the changes that have come to it as time goes buy. I am eating seasonally and enjoying it sooo much. This summer its was filled with peaches and nectarines and plums... which slowly began to change to  more apples and all the different pears and even some navel oranges. Banana are always a must around here.Right now I have found my perfect apple. It's called a Honey Crisp and it is the most delicious apple I have ever eaten. Crisp, sweet, tart and so juicy it actually runs down your arm without a napkin close by. If you have never had one, seek them out. Let me know what you think. I love them.
I have even started trying all the new squashes in the grocery. I have to admit I was never a fan. I've stuck pretty much to zucchini and yellow, acorn in the winter. Please don't ever tell me about how delightful spaghetti squash is... thank you very much. If I want to eat spaghetti its gonna have to be made with flour and egg. I'm just saying. But I am trying to "open my mind" and "expand my horizons" hahahahahahaahhaah

Until next time, Be so blessed you just can't stand it.         Blessings, Sue

November 5....huh....

This is the most recent picture I have of my beloved grand daughter. Is she not the cutest thing ever????? Completely rhetorical question, because of course you agree with me!!!!!!!

She just keeps growing and growing and I miss her so very much. I wish I could reach through time and space and camera lenses and kiss those soft little cheekies.

And this one.... This is my favorite. She is a love after my own heart. I could quite possibly stare at these photos for an entire afternoon and still want more.

One of the reasons I have had a hard time writing on here is because you see, I have been reminded AGAIN, that there are things within my control and things I just can't make happen the way I want them to. No matter how much I stomp my feet,  hold my breath, or cry.  There have been way to many tears over this subject and so..... It's time to hike up my big girl panties and concentrate on the things I can change.
It is taking a whole lot longer to move than I had EVER anticipated. In my mind, Seth would retire..... We would sell the house and be off like a herd of turtles. Seems though that, that wasn't in God's plan.
Since I really do believe that His timing is the best for everyone.... its been tough........
We are still fixing the house, and packing things up and donating things to charity. but its looking more like Spring that we will be outta here. The housing market is turning around and things are looking better financially. So keep us in your prayers. And come by often. I really do have some cool things to show you.
Blessings, Sue

Checking back in....

Oh my Gosh.... Where has the time gone? I'm still here. I didn't know I was going to take a break from here again and even contemplated not coming back. But... things change.... And here I am. I hope not to many of you have given up  and will continue to stop by, for this I am grateful. Blessings, Sue

Sporadic but I'm still here.....

 I have been wanting to post now for quite awhile but I needed a bit of a brain break. things are going well. I am still going through the amazing amount of "stuff" we have accumulated in the past 30 years of living in this house. I have donated many, many bags to different thrift stores and embarrassingly thrown away many bags of crap. Hahahahahahah. I am slowly but surely reaching my goals and checking off the list.

 One of my biggest accomplishments so far is my eating. I have been on Weight Watchers since July and I am loving it. I am eating healthy and my body is showing it. My energy levels have increased enormously and I am happier than I have been in a very long time. Not only am I eating healthier but I am able to do a lot more physically. My knees are doing so well. I have been trying quite a few new recipes and we are enjoying foods the way I like. Fresh and wholesome. This is one of our favorites right now.

 Blackened Tilapia Tacos. I make a rub using smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, herbs and coat the fish with it. Seth grills it and smokes it.

 Serve it with a yummy Sauvignon Blanc. And MMMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmm.

 I mist  my tortilla shells with olive oil and bake them in the oven. Crispy and delicious. The green sauce is fat free sour cream, cilantro and lime juice blended up in the food processor. I thinly slice some white onions and add them. Perfect meal.

Thanks to all who have been patiently checking in. So many things in my life right now, but I don't want to give up my beloved blog. Blessings, Sue

Spelt

 Hi again..... Thanks for stopping by. I have been very busy... Packing and baking, reading  and trying to keep my wits about me with all this heat. I don't know if you have ever heard about Spelt grain but I am once again smitten. I have always enjoyed eating and serving homemade breads and rolls. I used to grind my own flour using a bunch of different grains, seeds and beans. I got out of the habit in recent years and bought my whole wheat flour from good ol' King Arthur. The time has come back around.... I dug out my beloved Nutramill and I"m back to the grindstone... hahahahahaha pun intended hahahahahaah.

 My grain of choice is Spelt. I special order it from Whole Foods. They order it for me in 25 lb bags. Spelt is a wheat grain. It is actually an ancient wheat grain that has been around for ever. It's not very popular because it hasn't been tampered with in any way. The hull is very tough making it harder to manufacture at a lower cost. It is higher in protein than regular wheat and the gluten is water soluble making it easier to digest.

 I haven't cut all white flour out of my diet but have incorporated at least 1/2 and 1/2.into my regular bread recipe.

 I have been using the whey that I get when I make yogurt for 1/2 the liquid in the dough. It just adds more nutrients...you can't taste it..

 The bread comes out with a moist, light crumb and is really yummy.

 I've been baking only one loaf at a time, which for me is weird. But I am glad to be back in the swing of things and eating healthy again. I am feeling SO much better.

 Do you like Pumpkin Pie????? What if I told you you can have your pie anytime you want and feel really good about it at the same time.... Would you try this recipe and let me know what you think??????

 Carlye told me about this just today and it is amazingly delicious. I'm not sure what its "really" called but I'm calling it:
Pumpkin Pie Smoothie ( after Carlye, heehee)

1/3 cup pumpkin
1/3 cup Greek yogurt
2/3 cup milk
1 banana
Ice cubes
pumpkin pie spice to taste

Whir all ingredients together in blender.   I have frozen bananas so I used one of them and omitted the ice cubes. Also if you don't have pumpkin pie spice you can use cinnamon, ground cloves, nutmeg and ground ginger. I also added a teaspoon of truvia.
If you are following the Weight Watchers Points Plus program. This has 3 pts.

This was my breakfast. I WILL be having these OFTEN.....
Oh yeah.... Wondering about the frozen bananas????? I tell you all about it next time.
Blessings, Sue

Come Walk with me...

 I have started walking again. Around the Lake. Come walk with me...I have some things to share with you.

 These pictures were taken with my phone camera, which actually takes really nice photos. It was just a very bright day and I couldn't,see the screen. So they are just point and shoot and hope something turns out. I like them.

Blue Heron

 I mentioned in my last post about how, in my life ,change is pretty much the only consistent. I meant this in only the most positive way.  If you have been reading for awhile you will remember that I have had quite a few years. I have now had both of my knees replaced. This was tough on me. It took a lot out of me both physically and mentally.

 I am VERY glad I did it... And would do it all again to be where I am now. I have very little pain in my knees now, Of course they are still a large consideration in my daily life but that  was one of the mental challenges I had / have to overcome.

 I believe we all have our physical and mental limitations. They are different for each one of us. Accepting the fact that they are there and learning how to live happily in spite of them has been and is life changing for me.

 So I am loosely calling this season in my life... Getting back to it. Whatever that means...hahahahahahahahaha I have joined a Weight Watchers program and am focusing on getting myself healthy.

Ahhhh Relaxing in the shade

 Don't worry..... I will still be posting great recipes off and on, but I will  be sharing healthy alternatives as well. I have been changing some of my favorites into low and non fat. I'm feeling so much better.

Two Doves high on a tree.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope to be on here more often. I really do enjoy my blog and if I can bless anyone at all that's what I want.
The picture above was taken of  two doves, sitting on the tippy top of this tree. Look real close and you can see two heads. They sat there for the longest time. I thought at the time that if I were a bird, that's exactly the spot I would want to be sitting in with Seth as my bird buddy!!!. hahahahahaahahaha
Blessings, Sue

Hexagons...

 This is what I have been working on for the last few months. I'm using 1 inch hexagons and paper piecing them to make a quilt called Grandmothers Garden. I am smitten... both with making this quilt and making the hexagons. It's very addicting. hahahaha

 It's a very popular pattern and has been made many times in many, many different ways. It has been  popular throughout the years because it is a fairly economical way to use small bits of scraps and left over fabrics.

 In this particular pattern I am using the hexagons to look like flowers surrounded by a garden path. this is the first time I have hand pieced an entire quilt. The stitching is both peaceful and rewarding. It gives me time to sit and relax and think and pray.

 It's going to take awhile, that's for sure, but its the perfect project for me right now, and I am in no hurry. Other hings are changing for me fast. We are getting closer to moving. I am so excited. It seems that in my life change is the only thing that is consistent. hahaha I am very grateful for this, believe me.

I'll keep you updated as things progress. Sorry about the pictures being so faded out. They were taken with my phone and I wasn't going to put them on here.
Blessings, Sue