Sunday, March 29, 2020 - Morning Walk; Chores at Home for Me, At the Garage for Dean; Online Church: Laundry & Cooking; American Idol

Sunday, March 29, 2020 - Morning Walk; Chores at Home for Me, At the Garage for Dean; Online Church: Laundry & Cooking; American Idol

I woke up a little after 5, but laid in bed for awhile.  I just wasn't ready to get up yet.  Pretty soon here came the diesel.  This time he must have went to the door as I could hear someone knocking, knocking and knocking.  Finally, his co-worker either came to the door and they left, or he just left without him.  I'm not sure which. 

I came downstairs and made the coffee.  It was quite a bit cooler this morning in the mid-40's but I think it's supposed to warm up this afternoon.  After I went to the grocery store the other day, I realized I needed several other items.  After having my first cup of coffee, I changed, put my ball cap on and headed to the store.  Since I went off and left my list laying on the table, my memory served me well this time and I managed to get everything I needed.  I think we will be good for the next 2 weeks for sure and might be able to stretch into the third week, except for things like milk, eggs, etc.  

Back home I enjoyed another cup of coffee before we left to walk in the park.  There was a little more wind this morning but after our first lap we were warmed up.  Of course, I took a few more pictures to share:

In 2 days, look.... the red buds are blooming

City crews put this nice fence up around the swimming pool filters.

 I'm not sure if anyone even drove through the park while we were there this morning.  It was cool but a gorgeous day.

I wish the red buds stayed all summer  - they are so pretty.

After we returned, we had our morning shakes, then I started laundry.  Soon Dean headed to the garage.  Once my morning chores were done, I set down to finish yesterday's blog post.  I just couldn't get into it yesterday.  Dean is cutting some limbs and brush around the property and this afternoon he will gather them up to burn later.

Notice the tulips in the center flower area.

City crews mowed on Friday.  The park looks great!

 I tuned into our church online service this morning.  It sure is short without announcements, music, specials, children's time, etc. but as usual Jim did a good job.  Dean tried to watch it from the garage but it wouldn't connect.  

This is one of the shelter houses in our park.  Enlarge these pictures to see the rock designs.  

 Once Dean returned at noon, we had a quick lunch, then he headed back to the garage.  When he finishes his work in the yard, he'll call me so I can meet him to cut his hair.

You can see from the flag blowing in the wind why it was a little cooler this morning.

Leaves are starting to appear on the trees! 

 I'm going to make "Momma's Easy No Yeast Dinner Rolls" this afternoon.  It only makes a few rolls, so I'm anxious to see how they come out.  I'll TRY to remember to take pictures, and if we like them I'll share the recipe.

Good morning from Oswego Riverside Park!

Dinner tonight is hamburger steaks cooked in mushroom soup.  My friend Kathy made this for me many, many years ago when I visited her.  At that time I think her oldest son Johnny was a year old or so.  Marc was probably 6 months.  I loved this meal and made it several times over the years; but I don't remember if I've ever made it for Dean.  Kathy, do you remember this?  I have a picture of the two boys sitting on her couch together.  It seems so long ago. 

It was time to make the easy biscuits that I mentioned in yesterday's blog.  It made just enough batter to fill my silicone cupcake pan (6 rolls).  It took me about 10 minutes from start to finish to mix it up, then 20 minutes in the convection oven.  They look pretty good.  

I think they might have too much baking powder in them, but otherwise they taste good.

The recipe said to bake for 18-20 minutes.  I think I would try 21-22 minutes, as the bottoms weren't very brown, however they were done.

Here's the recipe:
Momma's Easy No Yeast Dinner Rolls

Ingredients:  1 cup flour; 1 tsp Baking Powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup milk; 2 Tbls Mayo

Steps:  Combine all ingredients in bowl, spoon into a greased muffin pan.  Bake at 375 F for 18-20 minutes or till done and golden brown.  


So I have to confess and tell you what I did, even though I am embarrassed to do so.  I used a Tablespoon of baking powder instead of a teaspoon, so its no wonder it has a strong baking powder taste.  I'm anxious to try them again because other than the slight after taste they were pretty good.  Quick and easy.

Todd stopped to talk to me while he was out mowing.  We were having a nice conversation when Dean called to say he was ready for me to cut his hair.  I drove to the shop and soon had that done.  While I was there I asked him if he found the mat to put out at Bentley.  He said come upstairs and help me find it.  He just wanted to show me he had put lights upstairs.  We bought 4 new lights to put downstairs.  He had already installed two. Today he installed two more.  The two older ones that he took down, were then moved upstairs.  There were no lights up here before, so it will be great to have light when we are looking for a specific item.

If I don't make a note for the blog sometimes I forget about things that occurred during the day.  Yesterday, we talked to several of our grand-kids.  It was so nice to hear their voices, and what they have been doing to fill their time while being out of school for the rest of the year.  Starting Monday their "official spring break" will be over, and they will begin doing online studies.  It will be an interesting time for them all.  It was also Grandson Tucker's 17th birthday.  Tucker and his dad (Brett) went hiking and camping in Arkansas.  They had planned to stay over Saturday night as well.  However, the weather forecast was not good so they finished their hike earlier Saturday morning and came on home.  

Dean returned from the garage near 5:30.  I readied everything and as soon as I heard him pull in the drive, I began to finish up our meal.  I browned hamburger patties, then let them cook over low heat in a mixture of cream of mushroom soup, and a package of brown gravy mix with 1 cup of water.  While that was finishing, buttered corn was heating in the microwave and mashed potatoes were almost done.  We each had one of the biscuits I made earlier with butter and honey.  (The honey provided a great improvement.)  Best part, there is enough for another day this week.  

We are settled in now to watch American Idol.  I ran out to take this sunset picture. 

I'm so thankful for the opportunity to have a place we can park near family, and even though we can't spend time with each other right now, we know everyone is nearby and only a phone call away.