May31
A Good Laugh . . .
Author Archives: countrygirlbling
May30
Birds & Window Screens
So, all winter I kept wondering why on earth are all those birds in my bushes. The bushes are up against my guest room window and there are no leaves on them during the winter, so it wasn’t as if they were there for shelter. It was one of those questions that just kinda sticks in your head but you don’t have an answer. I was out watering the bushes a couple weeks ago because they were beginning to bud out. Low and behold guess what I found. OH MY WORD . . . those little stinkers were sittin’ on those branches all winter helping themselves to a TON of wire from my window screen!! My mouth just dropped, I couldn’t believe it! . . . Some little birds somewhere are enjoying a very fortified nest for sure!!
May29
Estes Park
Amie & I drove up Saturday afternoon and the weather was perfect. It was just nice to get out of our regular routines. Had some great food and did a little shopping. Found 2 stores that were fabulous and worth the drive alone. One is called “Trendz”, it was full of unique home decor & gift items. I found an adorable bracelet there and it had my name all over it (not literately). The other store is called “Mary Janes” and it had a huge supply of “Vera Bradley” (if you like that look, I myself don’t really like the quilt look) and other great gifts and chatzkies. We drove by the Stanley Hotel, famous for it’s Ghosts who are guests there and the filming of “The Shining” with Jack Nicholson. There was a herd of Elk taking a break on their front lawn just sitting in the shade and yes, I missed that Kodak moment. After hanging out in town we got back to “Nicky’s” in time for the Piano Man – Ray to start. “Nicky’s” has been up in Estes Park for almost 50 years and it is right on the Fall River. Ray plays there every Friday & Saturday night. It’s old school and I love it, big leather club chairs and fireplace in the winter or outdoor seating in the summer. Many celebrities have been there – the tradition is to purchase a bottle of their Chianti and you sign it or draw on it and they hang it from the ceiling. It’s a great atmosphere for “my” age group – Amie wasn’t that impressed – LOL.
May24
Going West . . .
Actually going northwest, headin’ for the mountains! It’s going to be a fabulous weather weekend here in Colorado. I haven’t been up to Estes Park for quite awhile. Looking forward to some R&R, maybe a hike (maybe not – lol), for sure shopping and for sure eating! Hoping to get some great pictures to share with you. It’s time to begin some SUMMER F.U.N. ! Enjoy your extra day off this weekend. Happy Memorial Day!
May23
Movie Review . . .
I recently rented the movie “Jack Reacher”. I’m not a huge Tom Cruise fan but I do love ALLLL the “Mission Impossible” movies. I’m also not a big reader. I haven’t read any of the “Jack Reacher” books, so I didn’t have any preconceived ideas. Evidently the Jack Reacher character in the books is well over 6′ and a pretty big guy . . . Tom Cruise is not . . . but he is a great action guy and the movie didn’t disappoint. I was on the edge of my seat for pretty much the whole movie. I would give this an A.
May22
Smoothies! Yummmmm
I am not a big breakfast eater, I’m just not hungry first thing in the morning. Realizing that I “should” eat something and that “protein” for breakfast is a good thing and in my attempt to eat healthier . . . I am making smoothies for breakfast. Just whip one up before I leave the house and then drink it once I get to work. My daughter bought me this mini blender awhile ago so I dug it out from the back of my kitchen cupboard. It works like a charm and I love that it comes with lids that I just attach to the container and take to work. I’m attaching the link to the blender – it’s from Kohl’s and normally always on sale . . . if you are on their mailing list and you get their coupons . . . with your 30% off coupon, you can get it for about $25 – what a steal! Here is the smoothie I made this morning, just like a piece of apple pie (and no sugar):
here is the link for the blender @ Kohl’s . . . http://tinyurl.com/nl7nfqd
May21
Praying for Oklahoma
I’m originally from California and am familiar with Earthquakes, but I’ve never experienced the destruction left by a Tornado. So many families have lost soooo much. It’s hard to wrap your head around the devastation. Praying today for God’s provision and comfort for all those touched by this tragedy.
May20
Honey Garlic Chicken
I tried this recipe over the weekend. Super easy and quite good. Just added some roasted vegetables with a little salt, pepper & olive oil. I love a good crockpot recipe and especially love not having to heat up the house by turning on the oven. I think next time I will add some broccoli to the crockpot – yum.
1 package of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 c soy sauce
1/2 c ketchup
1/2 c honey (farm fresh – thanks CT)
pinch of basil
salt & pepper to taste
Cook in crockpot 5-6 hours on low. Here’s the link to the original recipe – http://tinyurl.com/9lvqzjt
May17
Busy Weekend Ahead
The weather is finally somewhat stable and I actually have some free time this weekend, soooo the planting is ON. It’s time to get the backyard in summertime mode. When you live in Colorado the “rule of thumb” is that you don’t plant flowers before Mother’s Day. And it’s true – there is always one more freeze before Mother’s Day. I need to run back to Lowe’s today and get one more “spike” plant and maybe a couple of bushes. I have two dead bushes to replace and I haven’t decided if I should replace them with flower bushes or evergreens. Leaning towards the evergreens because the dead bushes have containers on either side that I’ll plant with my geraniums. I love geraniums, low maintenance and continuous blooms. I am not a gardening kinda person but EVEN I can keep geraniums alive – a little miracle grow once a week and I actually look like I know what I’m doing – LOL. Looking forward to some fire-pit nights and some backyard movies. Bring on the “iced coffee”!!!
May15
“How to” . . . Iced Coffee
Ok, I made a batch of my Iced Coffee last night so I could show you “how to” make it. I am not a coffee connoisseur so I just use generic coffee grounds but if you have a fancy favorite use that. I will normally make it either in the morning before I leave for work or before I go to bed. It should “cold brew” about 8 hours, don’t get crazy on the time – give or take 8 hours. I always put mine in the fridge for the 8 hours but you can just leave it on your counter. All you have to do is add the water to the coffee grounds, let it brew (sit), strain and voila! I use 1 1/4 cup coffee grounds to 8 cups of water. When the liquid gold is ready . . . add ice, sweetener, a bit of milk and a bit of 1/2 & 1/2 . . . ENJOY!!!
Country Girl 