COOL VINTAGE

Above are some really cute vintage clothing items that I own modeled by my beautiful daughter Jennie. I love vintage...........and she makes it so much fun.

Update on this past week: Worked out every day except Wednesday, as I felt like I had the flu.

Also, had another call to preview an estate sale this coming Monday. Hope it's a good one.

WEEK IN REVIEW

Diabetic Brownies

Kyle's 16Th Birthday

This has been a busy week. I have kept up with my daily workouts. I usually go with my brother Eric or my children to the YMCA. We do at least 30 to 60 minutes of cardio and then 20 minutes or more of the weight machines. I feel as though I am toning my muscles, but the weight loss is not happening. During the week, my doctors office called to have me do a blood work-up, EKG and urine. I hate getting an EKG, it is quite embarrassing. The next day I was called into the doctor's because my blood test showed that my thyroid and blood sugar were out of control. Basically, I was informed that my thyroid has quit working and it is causing my diabetes to not be regulated. Also, this is probably why I am constantly hot flashing. At first I was feeling really depressed, because they said I will have a tough time loosing weight and possibly gain weight. I have been battling these health issues for years. I am tired of feeling sick every day and the lack of energy. But I will not give up! The doctor has increased my diabetic medicine and has put me on the thyroid pill. I will be going back in 6 weeks after another blood workup, hopefully we will see improvement. A funny but pathetic story to add..................Chuck, my husband has lost 12 pounds by laying on the couch while I am doing all this working out. All he had to do was give up cream in his coffee!

The pictures at the top show diabetic brownies my daughter Jennie made for Valentine's Day. So sweet!

Also, we attended a birthday party for Kyle who turned 16. As a normal "new" driver, he ran into the garage door and busted the headlights. Luckily, nothing more serious.

Work: I previewed a possible estate sale in Rimrock, AZ. After visiting with the elderly lady, I have decided not to take this job. Negative factors include the distance, not enough quality furniture and she doesn't want me to have the sale in the house. This will not work for me. I may elaborate on this subject later.

MANICOTTA

For Valentine's Day I made homemade manicotti a recipe from my Italian mother-in-law. So trust me.....this is good! The pasta is made like a pancake in a frying pan. 3 eggs, 1 cup flour, 1 cup water. Use a drop of olive oil in the pan & ladle the mixture....it doesn't take long, flip once for a very short time. Amazing how it will be flexible like a boiled noodle. Make a stack of these. For the filling: 1 lb. ricotta, 1/2 cup grating cheese, fresh parsley, 1 egg. The fresh parsley is a must to give it the authentic taste. Roll the cheese mixture in the pasta, cover with your red sauce and top with grated cheese. Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes. I only make this recipe about once a year as I make extra to give to loved ones and this will be a day long project. I always make homemade meatballs to go along with the manicotti. My family knows this means love. The title "MANICOTTA" I copied from her recipe.

VINTAGE VALENTINE

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY 1920's STAND-UP CARD

CIVIL WAR ANTIQUES

Here are 2 items I have listed on eBay today. One is a holster for the army issue colt. This is a rare item and expected to bring $$$. The next item is a wooden hat form or mold for the Kepi hat worn by Civil War soldiers. Maybe someone out there will appreciate these special items. Just wanted to share a bit of history.

On a personal level....worked out with my brother Eric today at the "Y". Tonight's dinner will be Angel Hair Pasta with Tomatoes & Avocados.

CREAMY PENNE & MUSHROOMS

Tuesday, I made the above recipe & my family ate all of it before I could take a photo. This recipe is from my diabetes cookbook. Very delicious!

I am continuing with my daily workouts at the "Y".

Exciting part of my day....watching LOST!!! I love Sawyer.

VINTAGE PROM DRESS

VINTAGE PROM DRESS yellow tulle, rose fabric details from the 1950's-60's

Monday: Some housework, laundry, made homemade vegetable soup and worked out at the "Y" with the kids for an hour & 30 minutes.

SUNDAY

I worked out today with my children at the "Y". We did 45 minutes of cardio and 45 minutes of weights. Afterwards, we picked up some healthy foods for the day. Early evening we went to a Superbowl party and enjoyed the game. Especially the half-time show with the WHO! Even though pizza was served, we just ate the veggies. Yeah....I have made it through another day.

SATURDAY

A RAINY DAY. Worked out at the "Y" for 2 hours. Thought I would have a heart attack near the end. Later, we picked up Subway & 2 movies. "I Love You, Man" really enjoyed, recommend. "District 9" TERRIBLE! Poor acting and ridiculous plot. Listed a few items on eBay.....a full day considering I didn't get out of bed until 10:30. Also finished "Sundays at Tiffany's". This is a very quick and easy read. Great story with a different kind of plot.

WEEK IN REVIEW

Busy week, but a good one. Worked out at the "Y". In our small town, the YMCA is the nicest facility for working out and swimming. They have really modernized the workout room from when I first moved to Prescott in 1988. Also, I finished reading "Sister Carrie" and have started "Sundays at Tiffany's" a book on the New York Times list.

LOST

TONIGHT IS THE FINAL SEASON OF LOST!!! I can't wait....my stomach actually has butterflies. I think this is one of the best shows ever on TV, along with The Soprano's

CARROT SOUP

Tonight I made carrot soup for dinner. I make this recipe about once a month because my family loves this dish. Even I like it and before this recipe, I thought I hated cooked carrots.

Heat 2 tbs olive oil, 2 tsp minced garlic, 2 tbs fresh cilantro, and chili paste (I used Sriracha otherwise known as rooster sauce. Dr. Oz has claimed this to be the best condiment you can use & my family is addicted to this spicy sauce). Saute' 2 chopped onions and a bag of diced carrots. Add a couple of peeled and diced potatoes and 6 cups of broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for approximately 45 minutes until vegetables are soft. After it cools a little......puree' in batches. Serve over rice and garnish with fresh cilantro.

You can spice this up with curry or chili powder. I did this as my family likes it spicy.