New Twist on Breakfast

I am a huge oatmeal fan.  I used to eat it every morning for breakfast...and none of that in a package stuff.  I ate steel cut or Irish oatmeal.  The kind you have to cook for 30 minutes.  Somewhere over the past decade I lost site of oatmeal and when I was so sick back in the spring rediscovered it...because it was all I could keep down.  I especially love it with fruit....blueberries are my favorite.  You can imagine my delight to kind a new twist to my old favorite breakfast food.....oatmeal (and it is good for your cholesterol too).  I had to share this wonderful recipe with you.  It could even be a great dessert.

Blueberry & Raspberry Baked Oatmeal

adapted by The Curvy Carrot
from Super Natural Every Day by Heidi Swanson
via Annie's Eats
makes 6 servings

Ingredients:

1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (I have used the steel cut and Irish for this)
1/4 cup chopped walnuts, divided (I leave these out because I can't have them)
1/2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
1/4 cup maple syrup (I used sugar free)
1 cup milk (I used skim)
1 large egg, lightly beaten (I use egg beaters)
2 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2-3 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
1 cup blueberries or raspberries, fresh or frozen, divided

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375F.
2. Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish. In a medium bowl, mix the oats, half of the walnuts, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to combine. In a liquid measuring cup, combine the syrup, milk, egg, butter, and vanilla.
3. Spread the sliced bananas in a single layer over the bottom of the baking dish. Top with half of the berries. Sprinkle the dry oat mixture over the fruit in an even layer. Pour the liquid ingredients evenly over the oats.
4. Sprinkle the remaining nuts and berries over the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top is browned and the oats have set. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.

If you like oatmeal...you will love this.  If you have not had oatmeal in a while you might begin to like it again.  I promise you this is a great recipe.

Wednesday Hodge Podge-Vol 90

Welcome to this week's edition of the Wednesday Hodgepodge. Everyone's welcome to play along...so I see you are wondering how.....well all you have to do is answer the questions on your own blog then add your link to the bottom of Joyce's post. The more the merrier!   Here are my answers:

1. Joyce gave us this quote (attributed to William H. Danforth) "The best cure for a sluggish mind is to disturb its routine." When was the last time you 'disturbed your routine' and how'd you do it?  I joined the Rock Mills Fire Dept last night.  It is a volunteer group...and no I don't have any great desire to run into a flaming building.....but I can free up a man to run in by directing traffic and the go-fer jobs.  It was one of my 101 of 1001 things I posted earlier this month.

    

2. What's your favorite fried food indulgence?

Dixie Crossroads (Titusville, FL) corn fritters.  They are to die for.  Fortunately I don't get them very often....maybe once every couple of years.

3. Did you have an allowance as a kid? What did you do with it? Do you give your own kids an allowance?

I got an allowance as a child.  I had to tithe 10%, and then I saved it to go horseback riding out off of Military Trail.  Once I got my first paying job my allowance ended.   I gave my kids allowances and they had to tithe 10% and then they could spend or save it.  Once they went to work their allowances ceased.

4. What's something you wish you knew more about?

How to play the banjo and the mandolin.....and Photoshop.

5. Is there anything you feel too old to do anymore? If so, what?

Pretty much anything where I might possibly get hurt.  At 58 I have no desire to break any part of my body.

6. What's a song you think has a great first line?

Beautiful by Mercy Me - It has brought me to my knees many times.

"Days will come when you don't have the strength
When all you hear is you're not worth anything"

7. Who are you writing to/for when you create a blog post. In other words...as you write, who is the audience in your head?

I  don't write for any one person all the time.  Each post has its own audience in my head.  I too use the space here to record my (admittedly many) random thoughts about the world today, but also as a place to record family memories and experiences. I write a lot about my take on motherhood and mid life and as crazy as it seems, one day my girls will be 50. I started writing as an avenue when I was dealing with ailing parents and I just needed somewhere to vent.  The blog worked.  I wrote my first few posts while crying like a baby.  I have written journals for years (since the death of my brother) and my blog took it on to the 21st century.  I love writing....and then seeing how people respond to what I have written. 

 

8. Insert your own random thought here. "Cherish those you have in your life because you never know when they won't be there anymore."  I attended my 40 year class reunion this past weekend and this quote hit home.  My graduating class has lost many friends and I was shocked.  I have not seen many of these people in over 30 years.  Do you go to your school reunions?  Do you go to family reunions? 

Item 90 of 101

Several weeks ago I wrote a post of 101 things of 1001 that I want to accomplish before I retire.  Item 90 was to join the local volunteer fire department.  I completed that task last night when I joined the Rock Mills Volunteer Fire Department.  Last nights meeting was a taste testing meeting to try out some new fish for our yearly fish fry.  It was fun sitting with the fire fighters and socializing.  After dinner we had the business meeting.  There were two openings and Keaton and I were put up for them.  The votes were unanimous and after the meeting I had my picture made for my badge and was fitted for gear.  I looked really funny in the coat, boots and red fire hat. Since I am not a man things are larger....my gloves are huge, the shoes are too big, and the hat covers my face.  I put my stuff in the trunk of Frank's car where he keeps his stuff.  No...I am not planning to run into a flaming building....but can free up a man to do that by directing traffic and straightening out the hose.  I can also be a go-fer.  I think I want to become certified to drive one of the trucks....of course it will have to be one that is automatic because straight-shifts and I are not friends.  So...here I am.... F132.  Look out Rock Mills...here I come!

Tidewater Inn

About The Book:  Welcome to Hope Beach. A place of intoxicating beauty . . . where trouble hits with the force of a hurricane.  Inheriting a beautiful old hotel on the Outer Banks could be a dream come true for Libby. The inn cries out for her restorer’s talent and love of history. She’s delighted to learn of the family she never knew she had. And the handsome Coast Guard lieutenant she’s met there on the island could definitely be the man of her dreams.  But Libby soon realizes that the only way she can afford the upkeep on the inn is to sell it to developers who are stalking the island. The father who willed her the inn has died before she could meet him, and her newfound brother and sister are convinced she’s there to steal their birthright. Worst of all, her best friend and business partner has been kidnapped before her eyes, and Libby’s under suspicion for the crime.  Libby’s dream come true is becoming a nightmare. Her only option is to find her friend and prove her innocence, or lose everything on the shores of Hope Island.

About The Author:  Best-selling author Colleen Coble's novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, ACFW Book of the Year, RWA’s RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers' Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has nearly 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers and is a member of Romance Writers of America. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana.  Visit her website at www.colleencoble.com. Twitter @colleencoble.

My Thoughts On The Book:  This book was amazing.  I could not put it down.  From the moment Libby got the phone call from her friend Nicole I was hooked.  The characters were realistic and the mystery element was so exciting.  I love the Outer Banks and this story made me want to vacation there again.  Colleen Coble is a master story-teller and expert at weaving mystery, love, good, and bad into a well written piece of Christian fiction.  This is a must read.

Blog Tour Schedule:  If you would like to see how others felt about this book then check out the blog tour schedule by clicking here.

Link To Buy The Book  http://ow.ly/cEhOH

Disclaimer:  I was given this book free as part of a blog tour for an honest evaluation by Litfuse Publishing Group. My thoughts on this book are 100% my own/.

Happy Birthday Eric

Today is my son's 42nd birthday. Eric has been my son for the past 37 years. He did not grown under my heart....he grew in it. Eric was 5 when I married his father in 1976. He was a cutie pie and I think I fell in love with him the first time I laid eyes on him.  He is a good man, he is a good daddy, he loves his wife, and on Father's Day weekend....while I was in Canada he rededicated his life to Christ and joined the church my parents attended when they were alive.  He could not have made me happier.  He calls me when he needs prayers....and I just beam.  This is every parents dream.  I truly believe that he may even be instrumental in leading his dad to Christ.  I love this guy.  Happy Birthday Son!  You truly know how to make a momma proud! 

Ode to My Son

There are not enough words to express how much you mean to me,
A son like you, I thought could never be.
The day I married your dad, I just knew,
God sent me a blessing- and that was you.
For this great joy I thank Him everyday,
You are the true definition of a son, in everyway.
It is because of you that my life has meaning,
Being a mom has given me a sense of being.
I want you to know that you are important in my life,
 of all the choices I have made in life, becoming your mom I did just right.

 I know always just how much you care,
I can tell by the relationship that we share.
For a son like you there could be no other,
I am so very proud to be your mother,
When we are together or we are apart
Eric, You will always have a piece of my heart.

I love you von Zipper!  Happy Birthday!

Project 365 - Week 32

Wow what a week I have had.  I can't wait to tell you all about it.  If you want to see some amazing pictures then jump over to Sara's blog and check out what everyone has been doing.  You won't regret it. 

Sunday, August 5th

Frank did communion today in his new stole.  I think it is beautiful.  He was tickled and don't you just love his new bow tie look too?

Monday, August 6th

This morning we met Beth at Handley High School to get our season tickets to the football games and our reserved parking pass.  Carissa is in the band and we want to experience her senior year with her.  I can't wait for the first home game.

Tuesday, August 7th

It is official.  Welcome to Karen's Korner (of the shop).  I officially have a business license as of today.  I had to get car tags and such since I start back to school tomorrow.  Susan is coming in tomorrow night and we are leaving for our 40th year Class Reunion on Thursday morning.  I am so excited.

Wednesday, August 8th

A man down the street made this knife.  The blade is so cool.  Frank bought one and put it in his shop.  I thought it was amazing.  I can't wait to see some more of his work.  I did a book review today and did a schedule post for it.  I don't always have good luck with that but I am going to have to chance it.    If you have not read the Robert Whitlow book, The Choice,  you need too...it is so good.

Thursday, August 9th

We stopped at Mark's Melon Patch on our way to West Palm Beach.  It is located in Sasser, GA.  My maiden name was Sasser so had to get the shot.  It was a great trip down and back.   The only problem was it was way to short.  There was so much to do and so little time.

Friday, August 10th

 

Friday night we met around the pool area for refreshments.  It was great seeing some of my old friends again and rekindling relationships that I have not had in over 30 years.  Top picture is Susan, Chet, me, and Cindy.  Second picture is Lori Ann, Susie, me and Gina.  Bottom picture is Susan, Chet and I. 

Saturday, August 11th

At the banquet Saturday night....old Brownie buddies gathered for a quick shot.  Marsha, me, Carol, and Susan.  It was fun socializing with my past.  I hope it is not 30 years before I come back home and see them again.  The cool thing is that a lot of them are Christians now.  Some of us were Christians then....and we don't have many of the memories some of the others have. 

Susan's Mom and Other Fond Memories

During my trip to West Palm for my 40th class reunion some wonderful things made the trip so very special.  The first was of course spending time with my dearest friend, Susan.  We have been friends since we were five and went to school together from kindergarten all the way to PBJC.  We both married Southern boys, had children close in age, love Jesus, lighthouses, cameras, and the beach....what can I say....she is a soulmate.  The second was spending time with Susan's 94 year old mom.  Ms. Francis has a remarkable eye for flowers and raised orchids.  She made my first wedding bouquet.  It was a pleasure to see her. 

The third was eating lunch on Saturday at one of my old haunts, Russo's subs.  They are as good as they always were.  I wanted to sack up a few and bring them home so everyone could see just how good they are.  The fourth was traveling around a bit and seeing old haunts.  I love the Royal Palms in Palm Beach....the beach there.....was amazed at Southern Blvd.

The fifth was the actual reunion.  It was so much fun connecting with people I hve not seen in over 30 years.  I had a ball.  The only bad thing about the whole trip was that it was way too short!  I would hvae liked a full week to rediscover the land of my youth!  Have a wonderful weekend!