Fly by the seat of our pants

Saturday as planned, three friends jumped into the car for a girlfriends day. NO not Door County, NO we passed the Cedarburg exit....because Chicago (IKEA) became an even better idea. Yes, that's us, fly by the seat of our pants girls.

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Chili outside, the warm Fall inside

Had dinner with Jim and Kathy Sunday night. Kathy made the MOST delicious chili.

Served true Wisconsin style over elbow macaroni!

Inviting home, good chili, good friends, recipe for a good evening.

Before dinner we had driven the country roads to visit a few produce stands and see the Fall colors.

We found the leaf colors had already peaked and were becoming dull and blowing away. It happens all too fast.

Wisconsin Gardener had an episode discussing the preservation of the leaves and branches in liquid floor wax.

It dries fast and the leaves keep a nice sheen.

 So here we are, enjoying our Fall just a little longer!!!

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Good Health Warnings!

THE 12 WARNING SIGNS OF GOOD HEALTH*
as seen in http://www.bouldertherapist.com/html/humor/MentalHealthHumor/12signGoodHealth.html

(If several or more appear, you may rarely need to visit a doctor.)
 
1. Regular flare-ups of a supportive network of friends and family.
2. Chronic positive expectations.
3. Repeated episodes of gratitude and generosity.
4. Increased appetite for physical activity.
5. Marked tendency to identify and express feelings.
6. Compulsion to contribute to society.
7. Lingering sensitivity to the feelings of others.
8. Habitual behavior related to seeking new challenges.
9. Craving for peak experiences.
10. Tendency to adapt to changing conditions.
11. Feelings of spiritual involvement.
12. Persistent sense of humor.
 
*Adapted from a posting on a computer bulletin board in Waldport, Oregon, author unidentified. Reprinted in Whole Earth Review (Winter 1994), a compendium of brash thinking and lofty ideas.
http://www.bouldertherapist.com/html/humor/MentalHealthHumor/12signGoodHealth.html

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Doughnut Flowchart

Since we are all human, healthy eating habits have holes, we call those holes, doughnuts.

Let me show you the way, MaryAnn style.

Start first by seeking out a Boston Cream Doughnut

Is it available?

Yes                                                                                No

Eat the Boston Cream Doughnut                                      Seek out a Chocolate

                                                                                            Sour Cream Doughnut

Is it available?

Yes                                                                                     No

Eat the Sour Cream Doughnut                                       Seek out a chocolate frosted

                                                                              cake donut

Don asked me for a laminated shopping guide (wallet sized). Of course, I am happy to do it and am right on it.

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Loving my Dad

Took a quick trip to visit family in Pensacola.
My dad is a long term resident in Baptist Manor Nursing Home.

My visit went like this:
Friday 5:30 p.m. - the family picked up Popeye's chicken and ate with Dad out in the courtyard for supper.

Saturday 3:00 p.m. - we picked up milkshakes for an afternoon snack with Dad. We lounged on chairs on the patio and one by one wandered off to Target, etc. Mom and I stayed with Dad to enjoy the sun. Dad and I whistled tunes together that he used to play on the harmonica. He couldn't quite remember the songs but if I started, he could finish.

Sunday 10:30 - Mom and I picked up hot coffee at McDonald's (dad's favorite). We met him in his room.
He looked at me and said "What a surprise! You've come to visit me! I didn't know you were coming"

The funny times are priceless. He is such a sweetheart.

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Pumpkin Moonshine

I'll take some(click here)  Pumpkin Moonshine  not to be confused with THIS!

I first heard about it on the Las Vegas edition of "Antique Roadshow".

The pictures are frameable artwork or inspiration for a watercolor as we approach this Fall Season.
I just bought it on Amazon.com. The picture on the back is one of my favorites.

AND If you're a pumpkin lover, try the chocolate cake recipe below.

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Moist Pumpkin Chocolate Cake

1 box chocolate cake mix
1 (16 oz) can of pumpkin
1 1/3 cup water

In a bowl, mix all together.
Pour into a 9x13 pan and bake for the amount of time as as directed on box. (Don't add any egg or oil).
Let it cool, frost it, and serve or do like me and lightly dust with powdered sugar.

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