Last post of 2020 -

Hello everyone 

I sewed a little today and made a mat for our dog’s food and water dishes.  

I used an old white hand towel for the back and a scrap piece of printed fabric for the top. 

I pinned them right sides together and machine stitched all the way around,  leaving an opening for turning,  

I rounded the corners as I machine stitched so I wouldn’t have to fiddle and try to make sharp corners with the thick terry cloth backing,  

Then I just machine quilted the lines between the hearts and sewed all around the edge,

Ducky eats in our living room and I think the mat and white bowl look much nicer than the cake pan on the bare floor he was using.  

It’s cold today and I’m really enjoying our gas fireplace 

Ducky seems to say  his supper tastes better on the pretty mat

We had an easy supper- something I’ve been making ever since our children were toddlers.  

We call them nachos

You need tortilla chips, refried beans (homemade would be great), jalapeños as desired and grated cheese. 

Just spread a single layer of chips on a baking tray- I liked to line the tray with foil and spray with a Pam type spray but those steps just help with serving and cleanup and are not necessary 

Then put a spoonful of beans on each chip, top with a jalapeño and grated cheese. 

Bake until the cheese is melted and beans are hot- maybe 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes 

It’s gonna be cold here for several days and we will be getting either significant ice and snow or just snow tonight and tomorrow.  

I hope it’s just snow ❄️ 

We will be staying cozy and warm at home and I hope y’all are too 

❤️ Rhonda 

December 30- Winter tree, CVS and current book

Hello everyone 

All the Christmas decorations are packed away and I put out this little silver tree with wintery looking decorations. 

 

There are still gifts here for one set of grands that we haven’t seen this month.

I went to CVS to coupon shop for the first time since maybe Feb.  

I only had some newpaper coupons and a few CVS coupons that were on my account.  

I spent almost $37 and got back $10 and will get back $3 for beauty in a few days.

 

Certainly not the best I’ve ever done at CVS.  A few of the CVS coupons that I thought would deduct, didn't.  

I will definitely use the $13 in the near future but I’m not sure I’ll be jumping back into CVS couponing,  

My parent’s retirement home has a pretty big library but I’ve never really looked in there.  This week when I walked by,  I saw 2 books that caught my eye so I brought them home. 

 

This is the 3rd book in a series of 6 but it is a stand alone book that can be read without reading the previous ones.  

I started it last night and it’s really good. 

I thought it was funny that this book was purchased in San Clemente CA,  which is right beside the Marine base we lived aboard.  

Hope you are all fine 

❤️ Rhonda 

Almost the end of 2020- home stuff and some replies

Hello - not too much news here 

We did a few errands this morning and then have been home the rest of the day.

My husband has been shelling more pecans

I hemmed pants for my son that wears dress clothes when he works.

He says there have been lots of really good online sales this year.  

Ducky napped a lot 

Our daughter’s family is doing some fun stuff while they are on break from their education jobs. 

This is little Jackson in a group photo- I think he is especially having a good time.  And I’m so glad.  

Replies

Melanie- I’m not a huge decorator but I’m thankful my husband helps a lot.  I wouldn’t do any outdoor decorations and I wouldn’t put up a 9 foot tree without his help.

Lejmom- your comments are so sweet - yes, I still have the just in case grocery supply but am not adding to it and I plan to use it down somewhat.  It takes up a lot of space.  I don’t think I’ll ever have a minimalist pantry though.  

Baked Tacos- I’m not sure who asked but they are so easy to make.  You need the regular taco ingredients.  Put the crunchy taco shells in a pan with sides and turn on the oven to heat them as the package specifies.  Put grated cheese in the bottom of each taco shell and then top with a spoonful of warm taco meat filling.  Now put them in the oven and bake as the package specified- usually 5-8 minutes.  Take them out of the oven and add all the toppings your family likes.  

I make tacos this way when I’m serving a group and it’s so much easier than fixing each taco individually.  

Hope you’re all fine and snug- it’s cold in Oklahoma and going to get colder 🥶 

❤️  Rhonda 

end of December - pantry organized, a few meals and to-do list

Hello everyone 

I made a new to-do list on Sunday for the next week - I’ve already checked off several things but this is the photo I took when I first made the list 

Our pantry has been cleaned out and reorganized (and of course I neglected to take a before photo) 

I also straightened up the fridge and am using up fresh things 

After Christmas,  we had leftovers on the relish tray, and they tasted really good with simple sandwiches.  

We are not loyal to any brand of bread, I order different ones often.  I ordered this thick sliced white bread- Natures Own Perfectly Crafted- and we like it a lot.  

I used some leftover sauce and a partial bag of cheese that had been in the fridge a long time and made a really good pizza 

And a big salad 

H

My husband and I worked together and packed away all the inside and outside Christmas decorations 

That’s all the news from here 

❤️Rhonda 

Updated - My first hot cocoa bomb

Have y’all heard about hot cocoa bombs?  They are the biggest trend for Christmas, at least in Oklahoma.  

My daughter made some and I asked for just one as they are so rich! 

They are a hollow chocolate ball filled with hot chocolate mix and marshmallows.  You put one in a mug and pour hot milk over it.  It puts on a show as it melts and turns into the most delicious hot cozy drink.  

I recommend indulging in one if you get the opportunity ☕️

❤️Rhonda