One Amazing Thing

I just finished this book written by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni and found it very interesting.  If you had to write your life "story", what would be the highlights, low points, lessons you have learned...about others and about yourself.

A Quick and Easy Dip Recipe for the Holidays

The first of many holiday gatherings was held today and the recipe given below was a tremendous hit.  I doubled the recipe and it turned out great.

Jalapeno Popper Dip

 

  Two 8-oz. pkgs cream cheese

One Cup Mayo

One cup Mexican Blend Cheese

1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese

One 4-oz. Can Chopped Green Chilies

One 4-oz. Can Sliced Jalapenos

One Cup Panko Crumbs

1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese

1/2 Stick Melted Butter

Blend the first six ingredients until smooth.  Put into greased 2 qt. casserole.  (I used two Longaberger Pottery Pie Plates).  Mix the last three ingredients together and put over the top.  

Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes. 

Quick, easy and very tasty.

Lady Ga Ga has upcoming competition???

Do you remember playing "dress-up" as a child? 

I did and spent hours with my mom's heels, purses, jewelry, etc.  If I were really lucky, she would help me with lipstick.   Apparently this is the new version (a 2 1/2 - year old's version anyhow) of dress-up! 

This smile makes everything worthwhile!

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Our youngest grandchild had his first birthday party this past Saturday.  He absolutely cracks me up - this is the face we see most all of the time.   He is just adorable (of course, we are not at all prejudiced!) and is learning to pull himself up and walk around furniture.   He has the bluest eyes and they twinkle.  Christmas should be a source of real entertainment.  It doesn't matter what is happening on a daily basis, just a quick glance at this picture always brings a smile to my face.

Ah...Silence is Golden!

It's post-election day - and blissfully quiet!   I am all about voting and consider it my civic responsibility to participate.   Having recently moved to a new state, the selection process this time around was quite challenging.  There was no history of  the incumbants' records and found it extremely difficult to find "accurate" information on those running.   And it, for now, appears to be a new ballgame - at least until the next election! 

Ah, I shall NOT miss the endless recorded phone messages that interrupted my daily life for so long!  Best wishes, however, to those who have elected and have been elected to face the challenge of making our country stronger and better.

The day was spent cleaning windows, inside and out, and taking down screens.  Everything looks so much brighter and cleaner and clearer right now.  There is nothing like a "project" to clear the mind, or is that occupy? 

Happy Wednesday to All!

What a difference a day makes!

This is just a few days ago - before the Michigan winds came charging through.  The spectacular views of autumn splendor are, for the most part, a pleasant memory.  

This is the "tween" period - between those rich golden colors and the beauty of the fallen snow.  That being said, I'm in no hurry for the snow part - just the beauty of it!

It's now time to finish cleaning out the flower beds, store the deck furniture, bring in pots from the deck ...and start stacking the firewood.   

Speaking of bringing in pots, has anyone had any luck in storing spikes/geraniums through the winter months?   I have four pots that are just beautiful and someone told me if I take them inside for the winter they will come back bigger and stronger next year.  I have a basement area, but no windows - 

will that work?  I'd appreciate your suggestions.

Happy Monday Everyone!