A Nice Day

Sunday, July 10, 2011

It has been a quiet day today. First Bill moved all the plants around like I wanted. This is how it ended up after I had him moving stuff around.
Then he started on the feel good corner.He has all the plants out and will pick up some new dirt to put in there tomorrow.Then the green plants on left will be put back in.

He has one to take to front yard.Rebekah got me another desert rose and it needs to be with others.He even re potted it for me.
I watched the Kings Speech today. Bill lost interest but I liked it. I don't know much about English history and I thought it was interesting. In fact I want to see how old Queen Elizabeth was when she became queen.
I had a 3# loss today but it is same ones I keep losing and finding again.
And speaking of that it is time to start supper. I hope you had a nice weekend.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

PATRICIAANN46 7/11/2011 9:57AM

Hi Eleni........ Aren't gardens wonderful therapy? I just love working with my plants and experimenting with colors and areas where I think they will work best. It is definitely a labor of love. My Mom thinks that I am crazy to spend so much time and effort and thinks that I should reduce the number of gardens that I have (8), but she has never been a gardener and doesn't understand. After teaching all day, it was always wonderful to escape to the peace of the gardens. I wanted to work in them today, but we are having thunderstorms and it doesn't look like they are leaving any time soon. Have a great day. Patti Report Inappropriate Comment

CANBDONE 7/11/2011 8:54AM

You've created a little Piece of Paradise! Love it... Report Inappropriate Comment

DEE107 7/10/2011 11:12PM

sounds like a garden day way to go Bill and hope you hve a good day Report Inappropriate Comment

KATIE233 7/10/2011 10:22PM

nice pictures love the statue and fountain. it was humid again , i can,t take much more off this humid stuff.don,t mine hot or warm but not humid .poor chickadees were landing on the deck railing so i thought they want some water so i made myself i bird bath but i found out they were out of sunflower seeds in shell.i got a few pictures of them hope they turn out.the weather made me tired i might shock the bed and go to bed earlier.so take care and have a super day tomorrow. Report Inappropriate Comment

GLORIAB73 7/10/2011 7:41PM

Beautiful and I especially like the idea of having a 'feel good' corner. Queen Elizabeth was 27 years old when she was made queen . . pretty young! Report Inappropriate Comment

FLORIDASUN 7/10/2011 6:24PM

Hi sweet friend...I always love to see what you and Bill are up to next with those flowers and the butterflys! Your blogs keep me close to you and you know how much I enjoy that! Hugs and happy Sunday! Report Inappropriate Comment

JILL313 7/10/2011 6:00PM

Your garden is just beautiful. . .I know you must enjoy seeing it all planted and looking so pretty. Enjoy your dinner with your DH. Report Inappropriate Comment

THEEXERCISER 7/10/2011 5:31PM

nice pics Report Inappropriate Comment

Errands day and a few pics

Saturday, July 09, 2011

Well just tried to get a nap but it was a ragged one. With Bill snoring and Roxie making all kinds of noises it was hard to get to sleep. But feel a little better.
Today was grocery day and I got to go in this time.Last week there was no cart so I sat while Bill did it.
Bill surprised me with the milkweed plants I needed for my butterfly garden. I think he ends up buying as many plants as I do. The monarch butterflies love the milkweed and mine aren't doing well so he got me 3 new ones. Rather than repot he wants to buy new ones. Works for some things but not all. He also bought a couple of other plants the other day.They are Venezuel Dark Caracas.It is pretty but I never buy annuals as I like ones that will come back.

And this is just another flower blooming I thought was pretty

And these are from the other day when I lost my whole blog. I wanted Bill to make me some drawers at sink like he did next to stove but he wasn't wanting to. I saw a slide out thing in a Starcrest mag and ordered it. Under my sink was a disaster.Everything all over the place etc etc. So I got rid of some stuff and replace some stuff somewhere else. What a difference. i have the medal basket pull out on the left.it has my mandolins and grater in it. I put all the sheet pans etc that I use in oven on top.Then on new thing I put my gallon baggies in the back with my travel Bubba in front.Then on other side is kitchen cleaning stuff with some vases off to the side. In other door there is just Roxy's bagged food.( Yes I even bag her food LOL) With a bag on door for empty bags to reuse. If you notice in first pic I also have 2 small sizes of baggies on door. And you saw on the video yesterday that right door also has baggies and foils..I know it isn't as nice as probably all of you have but it is handy dandy for me.
Someone wanted to see my soup. so here it is in the pot and in a bowl. I got it all bagged this morning and had 50 cups. The pot says it is a 48 cup pot

No rain yet today and it hasn't been quite as hot.
Well I have just a couple of things to do in kitchen. Hope you are having a good weekend.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SHOAPIE 7/17/2011 7:38PM

OMG. It looks delicious. I think I will have to make some. Thanks for the recipe and the pics. Report Inappropriate Comment

FLORIDASUN 7/10/2011 6:21PM

Hey...love that organized area...now your next video can be for 'The Container' store...one of my FAVS! I have the whole pantry under our stairs and you've inspired me to get it organized! Your soup looks so yummy! How long does it keep in the freezer? Report Inappropriate Comment

CT-FL-SNOWBIRD 7/10/2011 12:13PM

I LOVE READING YOUR BLOGS!! Now, some questions for you: What's the name of the pink flower in your 2nd picture? What kind of a camera(make & model) do you have? Your pics are one of the things that put your blogs in the TOP 3 for me. Don't give up on annuals! There are lots of plants that are "annuals" up north but perennials in FL. They just need to be cut back and protected from the fierce FL heat. I actually went to the dollar store and bought umbrellas for (guess what - $1.00) and used them to shade my plants during the heat of the day. I know, that gets "old" really quickly when it's so hot out. I was doing that in April. You could also try keeping "annuals" in pots and keeping them on the north or N/E side of your house. Report Inappropriate Comment

MIZCATHI 7/10/2011 8:56AM

Organization is good for the soul, and you seem like a master! Of course you know I love all the flowers. I've never had milkweed, though. We are getting so little rain, well basically it is non-existent. It's very sad. Report Inappropriate Comment

KASEYCOFF 7/10/2011 3:31AM

That soup looks wonderful! And as for the undersink organization: isn't it a great feeling when you get something like that sorted? Report Inappropriate Comment

DEE107 7/10/2011 12:14AM

sounds like a great day and the soups looks yummy where is mine Report Inappropriate Comment

KATIE233 7/9/2011 11:01PM

yes your soup looks yummy i wrote it down too but i think i,ll make it smaller maybe 12 cups.love to see the veggies looks very healthy and low cal too wonderful.Bill is sure a sweetie, nice you finally got out for awhile. lov your video too.you have a good weekend. Report Inappropriate Comment

PATRICIAANN46 7/9/2011 10:44PM

Hi Eleni......... I have not organized under my sink since just before my knee replacement 3 years ago, so you WILL NOT be seeing a picture of my scary area!!!!! Yours looks so neat and organized. Once again, you have inspired me to get busy and do what needs to be done!!!!! Your soup looks so good!!!!! I copied your recipe and now need to head to the store to get all of your good ingredients. I planted 5 Penstemon plants this afternoon. They remind me of a larger version of Snap Dragons only they are Perennials. I have 2 pink, 2 lavender, and 1 red. I am not sure if they self seed or if they multiply by their root system. I need to do more reading. Have a good Sunday. Patti Report Inappropriate Comment

FEISTYMAMA 7/9/2011 10:41PM

Your soup does look yummy!!! I love those little corn things. What kind of flower is the yellow one? I need to organize my kitchen better. I organize it but then Sam puts dishes away every day and things get messed up again. Report Inappropriate Comment

0309COOKIE 7/9/2011 9:17PM

Oh, that soup looks sooooo delicious! Your cabinets look so neat and organized. Mine are pretty tidy, but not like yours, lol. Report Inappropriate Comment

JILL313 7/9/2011 8:28PM

Your kitchen cabinets looks well organized to me--there is no way I'd take a picture of mine--what a disaster they are. I never seem to have enough space for 2 sets of dishes and all my casseroles, pots and pans--well, you get the idea--LOL! Your soup looks so yummy and healthy--it's great that you take the time to make soup. I always have good intentions but usually put it off. I used to make the WW Garden soup and it was delicious and really easy to make. Next time I go to the store I'll get the veggies and enjoy some healthy very low calorie soup. Your flowers are all beautiful--and Bill is a keeper for sure! Enjoy your weekend. Hugs, Jill Report Inappropriate Comment

OURELEE1 7/9/2011 8:12PM

Soup looks great. If the kitchen works for you and Bill that all that matters. I would be shame to show the inside of my cabinets sometime. Enjoy the rest of the weekend. Report Inappropriate Comment

DICHTAS2 7/9/2011 6:14PM

Think I should make some soup like yours.. I am at a loss sometimes what to make for me and Louie.It really looks good.. Snoring.. You should be lucky that is all he does. louie talks in his sleep most of the night. last night he was patting my head and talking to Christie, For those that don't know me,Christie is our PUG!!!I told him to cut it out that Christie was not in our bed. Have a good weekend. Joanne Report Inappropriate Comment

Making My Weekly Pot of Soup

Friday, July 08, 2011

I have been asked to show my soup making so we tried. I forgot a few things. I usually have fresh Kale that I put in it but when I don't I use the can of spinach like I did today.
The video turned out pretty good.Just wish I wasn't so fat and flabby. I actually almost didn't post it, But I am what I am.

2 cans tomatoes
2cans tomato sauce
2 cans tomato paste
2 cans beef broth
1 can chicken broth.
1 can green beans
2 cans baby corn
1 can spinach ( I prefer fresh kale but didn’t have any)
½ large cabbage
4 yellow squash
2 large stalks celery
5 carrots
Fill to top of pot with water and bring to a boil and reduce heat and let it simmer for about an hour. Cool and bag for freezer


PS You can put whatever veggies you want and whatever your favorite spices are. I do not use salt. When I eat it I may add some tomato paste or lemon or both for a sharper taste. I may also add some more veggies.
But this soup as I made it today will be between 86 and 95 calories for 3 cups.
Remember . the more things you add when you make it the more calories per cup.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

FLORIDASUN 7/10/2011 6:13PM

Hey there sweet friend of mine! What a little cook you are...and you look so cute with that perky little haircut! I just printed off the recipe and will definitely try it! I'm a big soup lover from way back! We had something similar to this when I was doing weight watchers way back in the day. I still have the recipe somewhere, the thing about that one was that it had lots of cheese which is kind of amazing since it was a WW recipe. I love your soup...but I love seeing you in action and hearing your voice even better...what a little showman you are! You should do more video blogs...you are such a natural at it...if my voice weren't so crappy you can bet I would! Hugs and love you muchly! Comment edited on: 7/10/2011 6:14:11 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

KATIE233 7/9/2011 11:10PM

thanks for sharing the video, i enjoyed it and got it writing down so i can do some but smaller portions.i love seeing the big veggies in it, i can also see my swiss chard and zuchinni in it.do you like brussel spouts? i like to grow them next year.a few anyways they are interesting how they grow.thanks again take care and big hugs to you my dear friend. Report Inappropriate Comment

JESSEATSTWEETS 7/9/2011 9:38PM

I feel inspired to make a big ol' pot of soup now for next week! Thanks for the blog. I've got to get me one of those immersion blenders, too! Report Inappropriate Comment

MIZCATHI 7/9/2011 10:51AM

You could be the next Food Network star! Report Inappropriate Comment

CANBDONE 7/9/2011 10:09AM

What a sweet surprise this morning...a visit with Eleni! I need to make me a big pot of "go to" soup. Yup, going to do it this afternoon. Thanks for the "spark". Last night was a disaster. I should have taken my brother's advice and "get out of the house and do something." I was having a miss my Baby day. I called my daughter to see if she had any Friday night plans and wanted to go to dinner...she had plans and suggested we go out Sunday. So instead, I went to the store, bought a bottle and had two nice cocktails along with chips, cheese and pepperoni on crackers, mixed nuts, and to top it off...cream cheese covered chocolate brownies! Today's another day...give it another try...no beat-ups just get-ups. I'm taking Gracie for a summer cut, hope she doesn't look too funny. I'll keep her face and tail fluffy, but she's shedding like crazy. Thank God for her. She's so loving. Kiss Bill twice today! Report Inappropriate Comment

RACH_LVSLIFE 7/9/2011 8:42AM

"But I am what I am." There's no judgement here. Thank you for posting this. I enjoyed watching you make soup. I also love my immersion blender! Report Inappropriate Comment

SHIRLEYX 7/9/2011 8:13AM

Thanks for the blog. The soup sounds delicious! Report Inappropriate Comment

PATRICIAANN46 7/9/2011 12:33AM

Eleni...... It sounds so good!!!!! I can hardly wait to make it. And......I loved seeing you again. Later..... Patti Report Inappropriate Comment

DEE107 7/9/2011 12:13AM

sounds delicious Report Inappropriate Comment

FEISTYMAMA 7/8/2011 10:17PM

I LOVE IT!!!!! Thanks for sharing! That's alot of soup for hardly any calories. Report Inappropriate Comment

SILENTPAWZ 7/8/2011 8:25PM

I've loved reading your 'soup updates'. It's neat to finally see you in action! It sure sounds delish! I will have to try something like that--though I may wait until the weather is cooler. I love soup on cold winter days! Thanks for sharing this! Report Inappropriate Comment

GLORIAB73 7/8/2011 7:57PM

Thank you Eleni! I enjoyed watching you make your soup and you taught me how to get it in the freezer bags without all the mess I usually make!! Learning something new every day, lol. I'm going to copy your recipe, I love all the ingredients and look forward to having my own pot on the stove, yum! Gloria Report Inappropriate Comment

OURELEE1 7/8/2011 7:57PM

Loved hearing your voice and watching you make soup.. Thank you Report Inappropriate Comment

SHOAPIE 7/8/2011 5:39PM

Sounds wonderful. How about a picture of the soup? Report Inappropriate Comment

MDMNINA 7/8/2011 4:15PM

We all are what we are! Thanks for posting. Report Inappropriate Comment

LOVEMYROTTI 7/8/2011 3:49PM

I just love your Blogs, & Videos, I'm going to make this soup this weekend. Thank you for always being there, we all "LOVE" you !!! your a saint Comment edited on: 7/8/2011 3:49:51 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

0309COOKIE 7/8/2011 3:19PM

Great video! You are a natural! It was a very informative video. Thanks for posting it. Report Inappropriate Comment

Short Hello

Wednesday, July 06, 2011

It has been a quiet day. But then most of my days are.
I wasn't feeling so great yesterday but then that is normal too But some days are better and so far this one isn't too bad.
Not much activity outside my window.I think it is just too hot for all my normal visitors. So no pics today.
I started back on my weight loss yesterday and I did good.Ended the day at 1500 cal which is good for me. Unfortunately I can't do any exercises yet. Not even the sitting ones as those require both arms.Right now my left arm and shoulder are being a pain. But no matter how much anything hurts nothing compares to those muscle spasms so I will deal with any pain I get.
Tonight is turkey burgers and baked fries. I may make a few sweet potato fries.Just to give them another try. Or I may just bake the sweet potato.
We are enjoying netflx and usually get 2 movies a week.
Ok MMMM I always think of something I wanted to say after I finish but for now I guess I will say toodleloo for now. Hope your day is going good.
Bill only had to work 2 days this week. I will get him back on his honeydo list. He did fix the picture frame he broke when he threw the ball for Roxy. And repotted my red desert rose that Rebekah gave me.
Ok I need to get supper stuff prepped.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

FLORIDASUN 7/7/2011 8:28PM

Hey there my sweet friend...I love your pics on this blog..they are so cute! You are such a trooper...always looking for the sunny side of life! I know that you will do great on your calorie count if you are vigilant. I'm watching my carbs and alternating protein days with protein/low starch veggie days. I'm also FORCING myself to do at least 30 minutes on the treadmill each day. What a struggle on that one..I don't know why I hate exercising so much, I don't like getting sweaty...must be a a drastic turn around because as a kid I was the string bean Tomboy extraordinaire on our block. I could take any of the boys on the block in racing, climbing trees, and bike racing...oh the thrill of victory! Report Inappropriate Comment

FEISTYMAMA 7/7/2011 6:21AM

Great job on the calorie intake! Some days are better than others aren't they? Report Inappropriate Comment

MIZCATHI 7/7/2011 5:59AM

Hi there! Glad you are having a good day and as silly as ever! The heat is so oppressive here, hot and dry. I am barely keeping my flowers alive with water from the hose. But it is so wonderful to view growth and color! Report Inappropriate Comment

DEE107 7/7/2011 12:19AM

sounds good for dinner we had chicken burgers and I grounded the chicken it was good Report Inappropriate Comment

KATIE233 7/7/2011 12:18AM

Hi there my dear friend, yes its hummid here too. will be glad when it,s over with. i had a few chickadees visiting today looking for water they were looking under my tomatoe pots on deck. so i put a tin foil plate with water and a rock in it so it will stay there.maybe they will drink out of it.this hummid weather makes me tired. so i,m off to watch some tv. and i always enjoy reading your blog in good and bad ones and some funny ones and love your pictures.so take care my dear friend and have a great day tomorrow. Report Inappropriate Comment

PATRICIAANN46 7/6/2011 10:05PM

Hi Eleni......... You reminded me of my Dad........he always said Toodleloo when he would leave the house. One winter day he said, "Toodlelooooooooooooooo!" and we heard a bang! We looked out and he had slipped on the ice on our back step. He didn't hurt himself, but his pride was hurt, and it didn't help that my Mom, brother, and I were doubled over laughing. You also reminded me that we haven't had SweetPotato fries for awhile and I just happen to have a sweetpotato on the kitchen counter now. I always come away from your blog with ideas. Later....... Patti Report Inappropriate Comment

CEB2007 7/6/2011 7:14PM

Sounds like you are getting back on track. We're all going to make it one day. Report Inappropriate Comment

CANBDONE 7/6/2011 5:29PM

I'm having a greek turkey burger tonight. New recipe: ground turkey, chopped fresh spinach, feta cheese. I'm also making greek tzati (I know that's not quite right)the yogurt/dill/cucumber sauce to go with it. I'm sauteing some sliced okra in olive oil, and having a cup of mushroom wild rice. I'll make the burgers up and freeze the extras. I had a couple of bad days last week, but I'm back on program now. (30 pds. released) They put me on the Bluebulls Team...trying not to be a whiner about it! Report Inappropriate Comment

MPARKER67 7/6/2011 4:42PM

Just remember, any day you see the grass from the top is a good day. Report Inappropriate Comment

REXTINE1 7/6/2011 4:28PM

I hope you keep the streak going. Good luck. Report Inappropriate Comment

ML4230 7/6/2011 4:20PM

Congratulations on started back on the weight loss. I am doing it for myself and feeling more energy by the day. Report Inappropriate Comment

Tuesday

Tuesday, July 05, 2011

Yesterday ended on a good note when I beat Bill at upwords.
By now most of you have heard the news about the Casey Edwards trial. What a shame is all I can say.
Today I am starting over again on my weight loss.I do a lot of that.But I will finish someday.
All of a sudden my tummy doesn't feel so good so I will just share some pics.First are flowers Bill got me and the a blue jay that stopped by today

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

FLORIDASUN 7/7/2011 8:37PM

Love your Bill..what a sweetie pie he is! Those flowers are beautiful. I enjoy watching the bluejays. Not this summer but the summer before we kept our bird feeders full for the birds and enjoyed watching them. The Jays were the only birds that stood their ground against the blackbirds that always swarmed the feeders and scared off the milder mannered birdies. My all time favorite are the Cardinals...love them..so beautiful and so colorful. There were a pair that always came to the feeder each a.m. and p.m. I'd put more feed in the feeders for this summer, but our deck is in miserable shape and the slope behind our house is actually sliding down into the wetlands because the developer failed to install the feeder swale correctly that handles the overflow for the community lake. We've fought and fought with the Homeowner's Assoc. to get them to fix it to no avail. Just another crappy example of why living in a development isn't always the dream people think it is. The trial verdict actually made me sick to my stomach. But she will go the same way as O.J. If the jury couldn't convict her...the universe surely will. That beautiful baby girl's sweet face is seared in my brain...who could ever harm such a beautiful trusting little soul...soooooo sad! Comment edited on: 7/7/2011 8:38:38 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

DEE107 7/5/2011 11:15PM

nice bird in the leaves and great pictures Report Inappropriate Comment

KATIE233 7/5/2011 10:48PM

nice pictures i like the blue jay and nice flowers lucky you! Report Inappropriate Comment

PATRICIAANN46 7/5/2011 9:46PM

Hi Eleni........ That Bill chooses the best flowers for you!!! You mentioned Roxy not liking the fireworks in your neighborhood........we were with a couple on Saturday night who are taking care of their daughter's dog. Their neighbors lit some fireworks and they didn't seem to bother him until one of the last ones. The dog went crazy and is still having trouble both eating and sleeping. I think they are going to call the Vet if he hasn't improved by tomorrow. It has to be horrendous on their ears!!! Hope you are feeling better. Patti Report Inappropriate Comment

JILL313 7/5/2011 8:18PM

Love your flowers and hope your tummy is better. What a shocker the verdict is--that's all I can say. . .Just doesn't figure??? Report Inappropriate Comment

FEISTYMAMA 7/5/2011 7:26PM

The blue jay is cute. I always see the same type of birds. Wisconsin is so boring compared to Florida! LOL I'm dumbfounded with the verdict on the Casey Anthony trial. Makes me sick. That poor baby girl, breaks my heart. Our justice system sucks!!! Anyway, I'm getting all worked up and Addi is napping in my arms. I hope your tummy is feeling better. Have a nice evening! Big hugs!! Report Inappropriate Comment

GLORIAB73 7/5/2011 7:06PM

Beautiful flowers from your Bill! And I love the BlueJay photos, you've really captured him well. Report Inappropriate Comment

REXTINE1 7/5/2011 6:45PM

The Jay pictures are neat - do you have a long lens or did you crop to get him? Report Inappropriate Comment

MPARKER67 7/5/2011 5:42PM

Flowers are beautiful as is the bluejay. Report Inappropriate Comment