Girls Day Out...

Thanksgiving Day was a success! We had a house full of my side of the family, and my best friend and her family too. It turned out to be a wonderful time, and we had a lot of laughs...I mean belly aching laughs! None of us got up early for Black Friday shopping. I promised my sweet nieces that I would take them to the nail salon, so they were bursting with excitement. My girlfriend's daughter's came along too, and it was a fun time for the girls! I let them all pick out their own nail polish colors, and it sure was a treat...I mean a girl needs to be pampered right?! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday with those you love. A few pics of the girls at the nail salon - too cute!

This is Miss L - she's my BFF's daughter - ain't she sweet?!

My two sweet nieces Miss L and Miss C! - They love girly stuff!

And here is Miss R! She is a doll!Enjoying every minute!

Vegetable Casserole - Recipe Share

Phew, I'm off for the rest of this week.....and boy do I need it. I have a house to clean and grocery shopping to get done, and of course a Thanksgiving feast to prepare. I am having a house full for the holiday. Yes, all of my family will be together. All the people I love in my house, it can't get any better than that!!! As I was preparing my shopping list I realized that I should share a simple but delicious recipe with all of you...just in case you want to add it to your holiday menu. And I didn't have a photo to show you, so I did a quick search online, and found this picture...I thought to myself..."what in the world....."!

You can use fresh veggies or frozen. I've used both and they are both equally yum.

2 or 3 bags of california blend (broccoli, cauliflower, carrots)

1 stick margarine

1 lb. velveeta cheese

1 sleeve of butter crackers (I use Ritz brand)

Steam veggies, drain water, place in a buttered 9x13 casserole, dot with small squares of the velvetta cheese, crumble 1 sleeve (or less) of crackers and sprinkle all over the top of the veggies, melt one stick of butter and sprinkle over. Bake for 35 minutes at 375 degrees.

Enjoy!

The Gift of Light...

First of all, I'd like to say thank you to my dear friend and "mentor" - John-Michael, who I consider one of the most brilliant individiuals I've ever known. He helped me to work through something, and I am most appreciative! If you have not had the pleasure, I invite you to visit his blog. You won't be disappointed - I assure you!

One of my most favorite aunts has arrived to visit mom, and spend time with all of us. She is my mom's dear sister, who traveled from Southern California. She'll be staying with mom for about a month, and we are so happy she's here. Of course a selfish part of me if partly happy, because she also happens to be one of the most talented women I know. She can sew up a pair of drapery panels like the finest, and has a keen design sense, both fashion and interior. Aren't we lucky to have her?!

Of course sis and I have plans...but we'll let her rest for a few weeks - ha! She gave each of us a adorable tea cup. Sis got a brown toile, and I got the red. I can't reveal what else she has for our third sister, and sister-in-law...as they could be reading here. ;) I had the day off yesterday, so I picked her and mom up and took them out for a day of shopping and dinner. We had so much fun, but my feet were quite sore... While shopping at one of my favorite stores "Tuesday Morning" I found a great lamp for my family room. I took some pictures to share with you.

Ok, Break is Over...

Phew...that is the longest I've been away from blogging! I have missed each and every one of you. I needed the time away to get caught up with life and work... I can hardly believe we are in the midst of November with Thanksgiving just around the corner. In fact, I already picked up some ingredients for a few of the dishes I will prepare for the feast.

Some of you asked if I was going to test the granite again. No, I've decided not to dwell on it too much... I am such a worry wart, and it's not healthy. So, "inconclusive" it will remain. But I hope to hear from anyone who may have had theirs tested.

I don't have a lot to show you at the moment, as I am just getting back into the swing of things. But I promise as soon as I do, I will update all of you. In the meantime, I've missed you all, and I'm glad to be back. I'll be around to visit all of you really soon. Won't you stay for some coffee and pie. Meet you in the kitchen.

((((((((((((((Hugs))))))))))))))))))