life in my empty nest: July 2016

Monday, July 25, 2016

Monday Morning Thoughts

Some weekends are busy weekends, filled with lots of activity and visits with friends and family. But sometimes, a weekend can be quiet and a time to recharge and reflect. There is a lot happening in the next few weeks; visits and cooking for my parents, some renovation to our master bath and other various odds and ends on my downsizing to do list.

It's the time of year where summer seemed endless just yesterday, but this morning seems to be approaching its end at a too rapid pace. There are still many things to look forward too, but oh my goodness, can August really be approaching within days?

I'm still walking as much as I can, but mainly sticking to the shaded paths whenever possible, since we are in the midst of a heat wave, like so many of you. I'm also still cutting flowers from my perennials; moving from one to the next as they bloom and fade. It truly is a joy of summer for me and what I will miss when we move to Florida. I will have to find a new type of plant that will thrive in the heat; a new type of gardening for me.

My coffee tastes good this morning as I wander through my yard deadheading flowers and picking up sticks and leaves from a day of summer storms. My coffee is now decaf; a decision I made last week and so far I have been feeling a lot better without caffeine. It's a new week and Monday morning is the perfect time for making lists and reflection on the days ahead.

Have a happy Monday!

Friday, July 22, 2016

Churro Waffles (Sugar Free)

This recipe is simplicity at its finest. Especially when you cheat a little bit like I did and use a waffle mix. This is not your basic waffle with butter and syrup, but a sweet treat that is reminisant of another breakfast staple at our house - toast with cinnamon and sugar. Since I'm a diabetic, my cinnamon and sugar is always made with Truvia and I used it here too. Indulgent, yet sugar free.

To make this breakfast treat, simply prepare your favorite waffle mix according to package instructions. Add 1 or 2 teaspoons of cinnamon to your mixture. Cook waffle until crispy in a waffle iron, drizzle with melted butter and dip both sides in a cinnamon and sugar (Truvia) mixture spread on a plate. Enjoy!

Have a wonderful weekend!

{Linking with these friends}

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

A Healthy Decision

There is something that I have been pondering for a while. But in the Starbucks era, where coffee becomes a social activity rather than just something to drink, giving up caffeine is hard to contemplate. But, I have been noticing some unpleasant side effects from caffeine that are pushing me towards a decision. I don't drink a lot of caffeine; usually one or two cups in the morning and maybe a Diet Coke during the day. But, I have noticed that even a small amount of caffeine lately is causing some slight dizziness, as well as being a prime trigger for occasional migraines.

I think that these symptoms are telling me that it is time to finally give up on caffeine. There are plenty of alternatives from decaf coffee ( no - I'm not giving up coffee) to herbal tea to a wide variety of soft drinks without caffeine. I will keep a water bottle with me at all times and it will be beneficial to drink more water in the long run. I can also make flavored water with my infuser that is both healthy and delicious.

I may slip now and then, but it's really something I want to try, not just for a while, but for the long term. It's all part of a healthy lifestyle that includes a low carb diet, exercise and better sleep patterns. It really is the next piece of the puzzle for me.

Happy Wednesday!

{Linking with these friends}

21 Rosemary Lane

Stonegable

My Side of 50

Monday, July 18, 2016

This and That - Summer Television

Who is watching The Great British Baking Show along with me this summer? I was thrilled to see that PBS would air another season here in the United States and hope we continue to see more. I'm not sure what makes me so happy when I watch this show, but there is a sweetness to the contestants that is rarely seen on channels such as the Food Network. These British contestants are humble, helpful to each other and amazingly skilled at baking. Instead of producer driven drama with the baking challenges, we see from start to finish, truly amazing bread, cakes and desserts. It is quirky, fun to watch and even the setting ( a tent on a country estate) is beautiful and very British. You can easily catch up on the current season on PBS.org.

I'm still processing Season 2 of Outlander, even though it has been a week since the season finale. I loved many things about the season; some episodes more than others and do think if you love the books as much as I do, you have to find a different way of looking at the series. In the end, the changes from the book worked well and the character development became more in tune with how I see Jamie and Claire. The finale (especially the scenes from the 1960s) was my favorite episode and makes me very happy with how true many of the scenes were to the book. Season 3 will be a long wait, but will be highly anticipated since Voyager is my favorite of the books.

Happy Monday!

Friday, July 15, 2016

Friday On the Patio - Raspberry Gin Fizz

We have been enjoying some really nice weather so far this summer and that makes sitting on the patio very pleasant. Even with the heat of mid summer, my patio is shaded and unless the humidity is high, I love to spend time there each afternoon. Flowers are blooming all around the patio; petunias, mexican heather, lavender and hostas. It's that time of summer when blooms are in abundance and all that spring planting has taken off. It makes the perfect setting for sitting and relaxing at the end of the day, with a cool and refreshing cocktail.

My cocktail of choice this Friday will be a simple shaken drink with a lovely raspberry flavor. I simply fill a rocks glass with ice then added more ice, 1 ounce of gin, 1 ounce of Chambord (raspberry liquor), 4 ounces of club soda and 1 teaspoon powdered sugar to a cocktail shaker. Shake cocktail shaker (it will fizz) and pour over ice in glass.

Patios, summer and Fridays - the perfect combination.

Have a wonderful weekend!

{Linking with these friends}

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

What Golf Means to Me

My husband and I played golf last week and that statement in itself does not seem that remarkable. However, it was a day that brought back memories and feelings that made me feel like myself again. For a variety of reasons, I have not played much golf in the past two years and what really kept me from playing was that all last summer I had a nagging hand injury that made gripping a club impossible. But, I still considered myself a golfer. It is something that is ingrained in me; something I have been doing since childhood and something I was proud of.

My husband and I love to golf together and have been on many golf trips over the years; from Hawaii to Arizona to Palm Springs. He will play anytime I ask, but because of the injury, we had gotten out of the habit of golfing together. With our move to Florida coming and lots of time to golf together on the horizon, I knew it was time.

I was a little anxious how I would play, but after the first few holes, my swing and feel for the shots began to return and I even had a chance for par on the last hole. It is important to find something you enjoy doing with your husband going into retirement. It will be a way for us to meet like minded people in Florida and leagues and tournaments will give structure to our days. It will keep me active in a different way than my regular walks or yoga. I consider golf a lifestyle and it's going to be part of the adventure ahead.

Happy Wednesday!

{Linking with these friends}

21 Rosemary Lane

Stonegable

My Side of 50

Monday, July 11, 2016

2 Ingredient Fluff Cake

I am always intrigued by a recipe that sounds too good to be true, but I also adore an easy, low fat cake recipe. When I saw this simple recipe for 2 Ingredient Fluff Cake that could be paired with strawberries and whipped cream for a simple strawberry shortcake type dessert, I couldn't wait for an occasion to try it.

Melissa was able to come over for dinner last night and we prepared a simple meal of barbeque chicken, grilled asparagus, parmesean grilled tomatoes and roasted new potatoes. I thought that this dessert would be delicious and light for a sweet ending to a summer barbeque.

The cake couldn't be easier. It really is nothing more than 2 ingredients mixed together and baked. It comes out fluffy, moist and most of all really tasty. Slightly different than strawberry shortcake, but if you love angel food cake, you will love this.

2 Ingredient Fluff Cake

1 16 oz box angel food cake mix

1 20 oz can crushed pineapple

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 13x9 pan with cooking spray. Mix together cake mix and crushed pineapple with juice in a mixing bowl. Spread in prepared baking pan and bake for 30 minutes. Cool, cut in squares and serve with strawberries and whipped cream.

Happy Monday!

{Linking with these friends}

Friday, July 8, 2016

Summer Reading List

While summer officially starts in June, it always seems to really begin with the hot, lazy days of July. Pool days, vacation days and quiet summer afternoons perfect for reading a good book. My reading list is long at the moment with some varied choices. After reading Lunch in Paris and Picnic in Provence, I am interested in reading other memoirs about life in the French countryside. There are books by favorite authors, as well as installments in my favorite genre; police and mystery series. Here's to happy summer reading.

A story of Americans who first learn French and then buy a three hundred year old French stone farmhouse off the internet. This is the story of how they restore the farmhouse and learn to live in France.

A novel about the lives of three women during World War Two. Comparisons to Sarah's Key.

This book is highly anticipated. Liane Moriarty is one of my favorite contemporary authors.

Releases July 26th.

Always a good author for a summer beach read.

Releases July 19th.

Police Chief Kate Burkholder is back and fighting crime in an Amish community. She is one of my favorite female characters.

Releases July 12th.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Fireworks and DSO - Salute to America

It was one of those perfect Michigan nights; not hot, not cold, but just right for a sweater or sweatshirt. And, we took full advantage of the beautiful weather and attended the Salute to America at the always lovely historical Greenfield Village. It's a casual kind of night, where everyone brings their chairs, blankets and picnics and finds a spot on the lawn. There are big groups, families and children running around with glow sticks. Or, for the past couple of years, my husband and I have attended on our own (usually to celebrate my birthday) and have a fabulous time. There is wonderful music by both the Detroit a Symphony Orchastra and the United States Army Field Band. The music is mostly patriotic and the highlight is the 1812 Overture with live cannon fire.

The symphony plays right through the fireworks and the music is the perfect background to the the dazzling display in the night sky. It really is a salute to America and you come away feeling thankful for all the freedom we enjoy and the patriotism that was on display. It is one of my favorite nights of the year.

Happy Wednesday!

{Linking with these friends}