30 Days Of Thanks - Day 4

My computers must really have the goblins!  Or maybe the issue is the user.

Yesterday, I was thankful for the sun.  The last week or so was our first taste of winter.  It snowed, was foggy, even freezing rain on Halloween.  Anyone who knows me, knows I have a real dislike for winter.  But yesterday, we had glorious sunshine.  I even got to wear my sunglasses.  The sun warmed my face and my soul.  It has that effect on me.

30 Days of Thanks - Day 2 & 3

Blogger would just not co-operate with me yesterday.  So I am doubling up today.

Yesterday, I was thankful to be employed in a job I enjoy, folks that make me smile, and for a respectable employer.  With the recession a few years back, and the recent local layoffs in my area, I have never been more thankful.  I work with the best group of guys, all of whom I consider to be friends.  They make going to work every day so much easier. 

Today, I am thankful for the food on my table.  Spent the afternoon cooking and baking, and I know not all have even the basic necessities.  The food bank in my area has been overwhelmed these last few weeks with the layoffs, and I have donated as much as I could.  Many in the town have stepped up and donated and volunteered, and it is wonderful to see the community rally around those in need.

What are you thankful for today?

30 Days Of Thanks

A friend of mine posted a link on Facebook about 30 Days Of Thanks.  I decided to take part, and hope I don't fall off the wagon!  I wasn't so good at the 365 of the photos.

Today, I must give thanks to my friends.  Some for long time, some short, some near, some far, and some I've never even met personally.  I love them like family.  They are family.

Tina and I have been besties since the beginning of time.  We grew up together and now live in the same town thousands of kilometres from home.  Allison, Mindy and I have been good friends since grade school.  Allison lives in Australia now, and Mindy in our home town.  It doesn't matter how long it's been since we have chatted, we always pick up where we left off.  Gola and Tammy, who I met when I first moved to Alberta.  We laugh, we cry, we shop, we lunch.  So much fun!  Thank you Laura for telling me about 30 Days Of Thanks.  Laura, Naomi, and Dani, I have never met.  Met them online, but they are wonderful gals.  Facebook wouldn't be the same without them.

Friends are the spice of life!

So....how ya been?

I guess it's been awhile! I'm planning to get back to blogging, crafting, and cooking.  Our kitchen is being renovated, so there won't be much cooking happening here just yet.

Stay tuned!

Spring has Sprung

I think spring is finally upon us. I am sure we will still see the occasional spring snowfall, but the worst is behind us. I am looking forward to getting the gardens going, get walking and enjoying the sunshine, and BBQ'ing...lots of it!

I had a great time last weekend at the scrapbooking weekend. I got 12 pages mostly finished. They just need titles and a few extra embellishments. I need to come up with an idea for a card for ladies night on Wednesday but my creativity is running on empty. I spent it all last weekend!

This weekend, Lee is home. I bought him tickets to see Billy Talent for his birthday. The concert was Friday night. Cancer Bats weren't that great and alexisonfire were just OK. I don't really understand the whole screaming instead of singing. Against Me was pretty good. And Billy Talent was awesome! We saw Billy Talent 5 or 6 years ago at a Warped Tour. It was 35 degrees, no shade and $3.50 bottles of water. We got trampled, elbowed, and stomped on. Lee had to pull me out of the crowd backwards and we missed half of Billy Talent's half hour show. So this was to make up for that and we had a great time.

Yesterday, I made a boiled cabbage dinner and flaky dessert. I had never made flaky dessert before, but I had heard of it from my friend Gola. It is supposed to be similar to the Vachon Flakie cakes, and it is close. It was nice and light, and a cinch to make. I didn't get a good picture, but this gives you an idea.

Flaky Dessert

• 1 box vanilla instant pudding, 4 serving size
• 2 cups milk
• 1L Cool Whip, thawed
• 1 cup jam or jelly
• 1 sleeve soda crackers, unsalted

Mix pudding and milk. Fold in 1/2 tub of Cool Whip. Place a single layer of soda crackers on the bottom of and 8x8 pan. Spread 1/2 of pudding/Cool Whip mixture on crackers. Place another single layer of crackers and add another layer of pudding mix. Stir jam or jelly until smooth, and spread on top. Spread remaining Cool Whip on top and cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.

A little tip about the jam. I bought Smuckers Strawberry jam in a squeeze bottle and just squeezed it on. It is much easier than trying to spread it on the pudding. If you are going to used jam or jelly in a jar, try microwaving for 10 seconds or so then stir. It will be easier to spread when slightly warmed.