Wednesday, September 05, 2007

week 15

So, here we are, almost 4 months into the project on the construction of the house across the street. Since my last entry you will see that the siding has gone up, and that there has been some stonework done at the front entryway. And that's just the outside! And, that's just what a nosey neighbor can spy from across the street. Imagine if I could give you an actual play-by-play of what's happening inside.

How are you today? I am fine. My boys are away this morning and I am on a mission to clean my house, top to bottom. Which is why I've chosen to procrastinate by blogging instead. I also have dinner going in the slow cooker. I just got a slow cooker last spring. Do you use yours? Any good recipes to pass on? I found a website, www.tastycrockpotrecipes.net. They have thousands of meal ideas. Good for me, as my meal ideas are nonexistent these days. Today we are trying the ultimate easy 'chicken-n-dumplings'. Doesn't necessarily sound like something you'd crave on a day when the mercury will hit 90, but then again, why not?

There is news to share. Beginning Friday I am heading into a 4-week freelance project. It will go from 9-5, M-F. Back to the advertising business, however briefly! I am not sure how this will affect my blog. I have visions of me blogging away during off hours, but maybe that is being optimistic. So perhaps my entrys will be a little spotty in the coming weeks. Don't worry, I'll still be here, and I'll for sure be reading what you have to say.

Have a wonderful day, and Happy Birthday to two special little boys....one in Ohio, one in North Carolina. Enjoy!

11 comments:

SLC said...

Cute house!
I have a nice crock pot that I'm always threating to use. I need to get organized and put it to good work especially on the days that I work from home. Thanks for the crockpot recipe website recommendation.

Nunnie's Attic said...

I do love my slow cooker. I'm using it today as a matter of fact. Pork roast with apples and wild rice. I just cut up an onion and some garlic. Added 2 boxes of Uncle Ben's Wild rice and packets, 3 peeled and chopped apples and 4 cups of chicken stock (I use the box kind.) Seasoned my pork roast with salt and pepper and garlic powder (Paula Deen's House seasoning) and turned it on low.

So far it smells delicious. I go to a lot of different sites and just type in slow cooker. I get an idea or method and expand on that by what I have in the house. Glad to see someone else enjoying theirs.

Love,
Julie

Amateur Artisan said...

Lovely house across the street! I have a deep and abiding love affair with the craftsman style. On a practical note, I see that nice house and I think, "oooh, good for property values!" but I think like that.

I have a collection of crockpots. I have the first two crockpots ever given to me, and two others. Husband installed shelves in this house just for my crockpots.

With two little boys in your house (and one big one) you will wonder how you survived without a crockpot for so long.

Be sure to read the instruction manual with your crockpot. It seems intuitive (who needs instructions?) but often there are good recipes and things you didn't even know you could do (like bake potatoes.)

Chicken and dumplings it is. When's dinner? We'll be right over. I'll bring salad. :)

Libby said...

Congratulations on your job!! And also on your new slow cooker! I'm sure both things will change your daily life! I have a really nice recipe for shredded bbq beef, I'll send it along to you this evening.

Marianna said...

That looks an awful lot like a house that is going up in my little town near the high school! Nice house!

I will be putting the slow cooker to use in the coming weeks as the kids gear up for YMCA activities! Share any good recipes you find.

marianna

tommie said...

Very cute house....I love your neighborhood....looks like an ideal place to raise a family.

I use the crockpot more when hubby is home (he's deployed...11 months down...four to go)...Cooking Light's website has some great recipes. Their Asian BBQ is one of our favorites.

LivingTheLife said...

Thanks for the update on the "house across the street"...do you mean you haven't peeked in the windows??...I so would (late at night of course when no-one is awake or looking)...I'm such a curious type...Isn't there a saying about that??? Yikes...I should possibly change my ways.

Thanks for the crockpot site...I love cooking stew and roasted chicken in mine...and chicken and dumplins...you can never go wrong w/that...I'll have to check out that site...b/c I LOVE cooking anytime I only have to dirty up one pot or utensil...makes me feel like I've really overachieved and that I am so June Cleaver like organized....

Good luck with your contract job...should be a nice change of pace...not to mention a little added $$$ before the holidays...

I love that you procrastinate on blogland,too...man I have learned a lot w/my procrastination skills...lol

Blessings...
"T"

Libby said...

Slow-Cooker BBQ Beef Sandwiches (I think this recipe originally hails from Cooking Light)

3 tps dark brown sugar, divided, 3/4 tsp black pepper, 2 1-pound flank steaks, 1 cup chopped onion, 1 cup tomato paste, 3 tbs worcestershire sauce, 3 tbs molasses, 3 tbs cider vingar, 1 tbs chili powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp, dry mustard, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp salt.

Combie 1 tbs brown sugar and pepper and rub on the steak. Combine everything else in the slow-cooker and toss in the steaks, turning them to coat. Cook on high for 1 hr then cook on low for 7 hrs. Remove steaks, reserve sauce in cooker. Shred the steaks with two forks (they'll shred easily) and retrun to cooker, give it a good stir and then serve in rolls. you can top the rolls with onions and/or pickles, if you like. This dish goes over huge at football games and the like. :)

Rosemary said...

That house is looking great!!
In Fall and Winter, Thursdays are called crockpot Thursdays.

Michelle said...

Thanks for the link! I love my Crock Pot but run low on ideas.

jillskict said...

Thanks for keeping us updated on the house, I love it!