Remembering Christmas' Long Ago...

Andrew and Booboo

For years now, I have been digging these little teddies out of the basement storage and setting them down next to the tree, every Christmas.  I know they probably don't care anymore, but my sons, now grown, loved and cuddled these little bears when they were children.  Their little faces, old and worn by years of being hugged, watch quietly from their perch, as though remembering all the Christmases past, when they dangled from tiny fingers, waiting for Santa to arrive.  I know my sons barely remember, but I will always cherish my memories of those Christmases long ago.

A Christmas Angel Keeping Watch from Up Above...

I have 2 little windows like this up high on either side of my living room wall.  The little angel fills the spot perfectly.

One Can Never Have Enough Chicken Recipes

Merry Christmas to All!

My Very Best Meatloaf Recipe...

I love homemade meatloaf on a crisp fall evening.  It's pure comfort food.  I've been making this version for years.  And the best part is, I can freeze slices in individual size portions.






Sweet & Tangy Meatloaf

Ingredients:

2 eggs
3/4 cup milk

2/3 cup finely crushed saltines

1/2 cup onion

1tsp salt

1/2 tsp rubbed sage

dash of pepper

1 1/2 lbs ground beef

1 cup ketchup

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

Directions:

In a large bowl, beat the eggs.  Add milk, saltines, onion, salt, sage and pepper.  Add beef and mix well.  Shape into an 8 1/2 in x 4 1/2 inch loaf on an ungreased shallow baking pan.

Combine remaining ingredients; spread 3/4 cup over meat loaf.  Bake at 350 degrees for 60-65 mins or until meat is no longer pink; drain.  Let stand 10 minutes before slicing.  Serve with remaining sauce.

Yield: 6-8 servings

Delicious!

A Peek Inside My Studio: Before and After

After moving into my tiny apartment, I no longer had a place to paint, so the search for an art studio began.  I finally found a room to rent in a building shared with other artists that was just a short 1/2 mile from my apartment.  It was very small, dark and dingy, but at only $100 bucks a month, I set out to spruce it up with fresh white paint from top to bottom and lots of good lighting.  Until I can afford something bigger and better, this is where I now paint and draw.  It's cozy, cool in the summer and warm in the winter.  I really enjoy creating in my new little space and go there to work whenever I can.

Autumn...The Best Time of Year

Let me introduce myself...

I'm the mother of 2 grown sons, Adam, who is 30 years old and Trevor, 27 years old.  I have struck out on my own, after living with my husband for 31 years.  Armed with only the essentials and the things I love and couldn't give up, I moved into a little apartment and began the daunting task of starting a new life for myself.  It's been, often times,  scarry, lonely and very challenging, but it gets a little easier everyday.  I'm learning new ways to enjoy my time alone and I've filled my life with people I love and enjoy spending time with.  I keep myself busy and try not to think of all the hardship I'm going through.  Money is tight, so I'm always looking for ways to save.  Organization has become key.  With hardly any room to spare, I'm discovering new ways to work with my limited space.  Cooking for one is also a  learning curve for me.  After cooking for my family of 4 for years, I'm coming up with new, healthy smaller meals to make for myself.  I want to share with you my new life experiences and hopefully those who are in similar life situations will enjoy sharing your own personal experiences also.

I needed to come up with a solution to the lack of eating space in my tiny apartment, so I bought this little cafe table and chairs from Ballard Designs.  It fits perfectly in the corner of my living room and makes a charming little dining area.