The Simple Woman's Daybook . . .

For Today

Looking out my window. . . Outside my window the wind is blowing and the trees are bare.  On Monday, we had winds gusting up to 66 miles per hour.  Our power was even out for a couple of hours, and there were lots of trees blown over and some damage right here on our road.  I always worry when the wind blows that hard, because I have 4 huge pine trees in my front yard, and large trees in my backyard as well.  We really have a mess of branches and pine cones to clean up though...but not until the wind slows down.  You can see the grass starting to green up a bit, and it is getting warmer.

I am thinking . . . I have been thinking about my ancestors, those who came before and are gone now.  What did we learn from them, and how much of "them" did we keep with us?  I have a few photos of four of my grandmothers and great-grandmothers, that are dear to me, even though I didn't know some of them.  When I look at their photos, I wonder what traits I inherited from them.  I honestly don't see much of myself in any of their photos. Do any of you wonder who you look like?

This is my maternal grandmother . . . and this is how I remember her, I loved her so.

This is her mother, my great-grandmother.  She passed away when I was 7 years old.  I still remember her, but she was very sick, and I was told that I needed to be very quiet when we were at her house.  She lived with my great aunt, who I loved dearly.

This my paternal grandmother and grandfather, holding their first child who sadly passed away when he was just one years old.  I was just 2 years old when my grandmother passed away, but, I can still remember her.  I remember standing next to her at the breadboard, while she handed me something, most likely a sweet something, she was a wonderful cook.  I also remember her arm around me as I sat on the arm of a large chair with her.  

This is my grandmother's mother, my great-grandmother, who passed away 5 years before I was born.  I have heard many wonderful stories about her...I wish I would have known her.  She was born in, St Martin, Wales, somewhere that I would love to visit someday.  Don't you love her apron?  

I am thankful . . . I'm thankful for where I live.  I can remember when I was younger, thinking how strange it was that a person could live and die in the same city, sometimes in the same house.  I don't think that's a strange thing any more, for me, there truly is, no place like home.

I am wearing . . . I'm wearing a brown fleece t-shirt, comfy jeans, and yes, I'm barefoot...I don't like shoes.  If I could find a pair of shoes that I loved, I'd be better at keeping them on my feet.

I am  creating . . . I have been crocheting some of these . . .

I don't think it's ever too soon to start on Christmas gifts... :0)

I'm watching . . . I have to admit, I love, American Idol!  I have been watching it ever since it started, and I was so glad when it came back.

I'm listening to . . . I'm listening to this, because Alan is one of my all-time favorite singers, and this... because I'm kind of Jazzy old or new, and sometimes this, just because who doesn't love to listen to Keith?!

I'm hoping for . . . Warmer weather, seriously!  I know, we've had it pretty good here in the west, but I'm ready for some warm days.  

I'm learning . . .  I am learning that I have to slow down.  I just can't do the things I used to do.  I'm having some health issues that have stopped me from doing all the things I love to do.  I'm hoping to get a handle on it, but . . . I'm still learning.

In the kitchen . . . Along with these health issues, has come a new way of eating.  I'm going to try to embrace it, but it's hard.  No sugar or grain...EEEKKK! So, here it goes...from my kitchen.  

Pork Chops with Mustard, Onion and Apple 

4 pork chops - seasoned with garlic powder, salt and pepper

1 small onion - thinly sliced

1 small apple - sliced

1 - 2 Tbls. grainy mustard,  add the amount you like

1 - 2 Tbls. coconut oil 

2 Tbls. cream

Saute pork chops in skillet with the coconut oil.  When both sides are browned, take them out of the skillet and add the onion and apple.  When the onion and apple have wilted down, stir in the mustard, then add the pork chops back to the skillet.  Cover and let simmer on low until the pork chops are tender and well done.  Take out the pork chops and simmer the onions and apples until some of the liquid is reduced, add the cream, stir and serve.  If you don't have much liquid, just add the cream and stir to combine.  These were really delicious!  I served them with a big helping of steamed broccoli.  

Just sayin' . . . 

Have a wonderful week sweet friends!!

Hugs and Love,

Barb