Well, it's not HOT in my neck of the woods in temperature (not today anyway) but it's sure been a HOT minute since I last posted. For that I am so sorry but it seems my life has been consumed with doctor appointments, tests, and MORE tests, biopsies, surgery and so much more. One day at a time sweet Jesus is all that any of us can ask for. Wanted to pop in on this beautiful Sunday afternoon to share a little about what I've been up too. Marty and I enjoyed a weekend at the beach before I had breast cancer surgery and took advantage of the time I had in between so many doctor appointments and testing. It was sure a good little getaway. We celebrated our 47th wedding anniversary in September. WOW! Just babies! LOL! We were high school sweethearts. Started dating at age 16. Married at age 18 and started a family at age 20. We celebrated Marty's birthday in October. He says that he's feeling his age these days. LOL! He still works 4 days a week and has a long commu...
COFFEE anyone? Oh Yes, I must have coffee. If I could not have my coffee daily, someone would just need to take me out behind the wood shed and leave me there for DEAD!
All my close friends know what a coffee lover I am and I was so happy to arrive to work one morning to find this sweet gift waiting for me on my desk. Do you like coffee?
For Mother's Day my daughters gave me a brand new toy. The 8 quart Instant Pot. The 8 quart is perfect for my large family especially since I cook for them each Sunday. However, you can also cook for two in it. So, here is what I have made in the Instant pot so far. I have boiled eggs twice. 5 minutes and they are done. I have boiled peanuts three times now in the instant pot. I usually boil at least 3 lbs at a time because Marty and I love them. It takes about 45 minutes. I have made some of the best BBQ chicken wings ever in 12 minutes and then I put them under broil for 2 minutes to caramelize them. I did fix a chicken and veggie dish with pasta that was not my favorite. I personally felt the pasta tasted overcooked. However, that dish was ready in 30 minutes. I am enjoying trying out different recipes. Do you have an Instant Pot? If so, what do you like or don't like about it?
On my way to the grocery store recently I saw a sign that said YARD SALE. Yep, my vehicle turned immediately! LOL! I found a couple of goodies. The pretty colored silverware was brand new in the box, cute easel and a shadow box. I spent a whole $5. My kinda of sale.
Tried a new cake recipe and it must have been good as I only had one slice left to carry to a friend.
We had the opportunity to see our oldest granddaughter perform in a recital on Friday night. She amazes me. She plays piano, electric guitar, sings and writes songs. She played the electric guitar for the recital and sang the song "Set it all free" from the movie Sing. Well, I had not watched that movie but from what I have heard, the kiddos love it. But, I know all about that movie now! LOL! My grandgirl ROCKED it!
The new grandgirl's first outing was to Papa and Nana's house. We enjoyed the girls so much.
Annaleigh Faith is just a bundle of joy. New life always brings a freshness in the air.
I will leave you with this today.
A carrot seems strong but with heat or left out without protection the carrot will wilt, become soft and lose it's strength.
The insides of an egg will change when under heat. The shell becomes hardened and stiff. The outside of an egg looks much differently than the inside of an egg.
The coffee bean changes totally in hot water. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor of the bean. No matter how hot the water is the bean will always smell it's best.
Hugs and blessings, Cindy
We had the opportunity to see our oldest granddaughter perform in a recital on Friday night. She amazes me. She plays piano, electric guitar, sings and writes songs. She played the electric guitar for the recital and sang the song "Set it all free" from the movie Sing. Well, I had not watched that movie but from what I have heard, the kiddos love it. But, I know all about that movie now! LOL! My grandgirl ROCKED it!
The new grandgirl's first outing was to Papa and Nana's house. We enjoyed the girls so much.
Annaleigh Faith is just a bundle of joy. New life always brings a freshness in the air.
I will leave you with this today.
A carrot seems strong but with heat or left out without protection the carrot will wilt, become soft and lose it's strength.
The insides of an egg will change when under heat. The shell becomes hardened and stiff. The outside of an egg looks much differently than the inside of an egg.
The coffee bean changes totally in hot water. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor of the bean. No matter how hot the water is the bean will always smell it's best.
Hugs and blessings, Cindy
YES to coffee! Can't live without it. I'm glad you're liking your new toy! I hope you'll share some recipes. That cake looks amazing! Baby girl is sooo cute! How fun to see your granddaughter's recital!
ReplyDeleteThanks Heather. I am wanting to try out a new recipe this weekend maybe. We are eating up that grandgirl.
DeleteI do not have an instant pot but would like to add that appliance to my inventory...probably after we move....no room here! I have heard many good things about them. Girl, you did good at that yard sale...two great items and great bargains! Yes, that grand girl of yours did rock it as I saw on Facebook...what a talent...and all I can say when I see little Annaleigh is still "THAT HAIR!"
ReplyDeleteDebby we are so proud of our Raygen. I wish you could hear her when she sings for the Lord! YES, I am a tad partial.
DeleteAwe, enjoyed the pictures Cindy. Yes, I know that song by heart. My grandson loves that movie. That baby girl is already smiling. WOW. If I only have money to buy food or coffee I can assure you that coffee is first on the list! I do not have an instant pot but have several friends that do and love it. I always want to be the coffee bean but afraid I have been the carrot and egg more times than I care to talk about. Haven't we all?
ReplyDeleteConnie Royals
Connie, coffee is a first on my list too! LOL!
DeleteI always enjoy your posts, they make me smile. I'm with you, a lover of coffee! I can't get to the coffee pot quick enough of a morning. I do not have an instapot but my daughter uses her all the time. I just don't cook enough anymore. Shame on me! Love your carrot, egg and coffee bean illustration, so good! Hugs Cindy!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lea. Sometimes I feel that when I am off that is all I do...COOK! For the most part I honestly enjoy cooking and baking. But there are days that I am kinda like....I AM BOUT TIRED OF IT! LOL!
DeleteCindy,
ReplyDeleteI never even heard of an InstaPot.... Your grand girls are lovely!! Thanks so much for stopping by!!
Hugs,
Deb
They have been around a while I think. I heard some younger gals talking about the Instant pots and checked into them. Of course by the time I got around to checking into them they had been out a while. But I never would break down and buy myself one. However my three daughters got it for me! YAY! I am the crock pot queen but the thing with the instant pot is that you can cook things faster if needed or especially on the spur of the moment. Or you can use it for a crock pot as well. I am just now getting around to trying out different things.
DeleteYour blog posts are always so interesting. I didn’t know you could boil eggs in an instant pot! (I don’t have one....yet)
ReplyDeleteYour grandchildren are do blessed to have you close and so active in their lives!
Thanks Christine. We are truly blessed to have all our kiddos close by.
DeleteI must confess that I'm not a coffee drinker. I like the smell of coffee, but have never acquired a taste for the hot beverage. I don't have an Insta Pot, but have heard of its interesting uses such as baking cheesecake! Great scores at the yard sale. Last week, I passed one that had a curio cabinet, but silly me decided not to stop to check it out. Now I'm kicking myself! Your newest granddaughter's thick hair makes me smile.
ReplyDeleteI love to smell coffee brewing! Cheesecake in the instant pot is on my list for sure.
DeleteYou have the cutest grandbabies! What a little doll with all that hair! I don't have an instant pot, but I did get an air fryer for a gift Christmas. I need recipes for it too! I'm not a coffee drinker, but both my daughters are coffee fanatics! I always enjoy your posts!
ReplyDeleteKatherine
Glad you came by Katherine. I have several friends that have air fryer's and I am thinking that might be on my list next. LOL!
DeleteOh my goodness, that cake.... Wow! It looks amazing and totally not on my current eating plan.... Oh wait .. It could just be my total calories for the day! 😁 Your grands are awesome, sweet Friend. Every one of them are beautiful! And that hair! ☺ I love how you love life! 💜
ReplyDeleteThanks Deb. These babies need to slow down a tad though. Growing up too fast.
DeleteI am with you girl! Gotta have my coffee so I would want to be the bean! I want an instant pot but have absolutely nowhere on my countertops to store it. I would not want to lug it in and out every time I wanted to use it either. Your granddaughter is so talented! I love watching for talents that they develop as they grow right before your eyes. Sweet baby girl!
ReplyDeleteYep, I keep the instant pot in the pantry cabinet. But, I never leave my appliances out on the counter except my coffee pot. I know.....that's crazy. But my coffee pot is the only appliance I use every day. LOL!
DeleteGirl, you know I love coffee and recently found out via the Food Network to put a 1/8 tsp of salt on top of the coffee grounds and it wards off indigestion and upset stomach that one gets from drinking coffee.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post, Cindy, thank you for the many smiles.
I am sure with your busy college schedule that you drink lots of coffee!
DeleteWhat a little cutie your new grandbaby is...and all the others, too. What fun to watch them bloom and use their gifts. You and Betsy (Estelle’s) are the gals whom I have learned about the Instapot from. Sounds intriguing.
ReplyDeleteThank you Vee.
DeleteHi Cindy, I still don’t have an instant pot! I will be interested in some of your favorite dishes. I know you are so proud of your granddaughter! Our family is musical, so I am praying our sweet girl will be. That cake looks delicious. I have to have coffee first thing, so I am right there with your! Baby girl is gorgeous! Hugs and blessings~
ReplyDeleteThank you Pam. We are enjoying the new grandgirl and I could listen to my oldest grandgirl sing and play all day. I wish you could hear her sing for our Lord. Melts this old Nana's heart.
DeleteI haven't gotten an instant pot yet, it does sound handy! Your grands are precious!
ReplyDeleteJenna
I know you love your coffee like I love my tea, Cindy! I don't have an Instant Pot, but I bought the 8 qt. for my daughter for Christmas. Everyone seems to love them. I'm sure I would, too. It was a great gift for you. Your yard sale finds are perfect...love the red silverware!! Of course, you're proud of Ryleigh is so talented, and the baby girls are so cute! My oldest grandson plays guitar and I love hearing him play.
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed week, Cindy!
Nothing like the grands Kitty.
DeleteHi Cindy, That was so sweet of the office workers to give you that gift! Love the silverware set from the garage sale. Aren't garage sales fun! Very talented granddaughter. I don't have an instant pot but my crockpot sure gets a workout. Nancy
ReplyDeleteNancy, I have always been the crock pot queen. I love using my crock pot. At least with the instant pot it too can serve as a crock.
DeleteOh the baby is just so adorable, then again, all the girls are my friend. Congrats again for her. How is your DD feeling after the epidural ? I worry too when both my DDs had to have them. I prayed for her and we will pray she recovers perfectly.
ReplyDeleteGrandpa is enjoying the moment too.
Hugs,
Fabby
Thanks Fabby. My girl is doing great. Praise the Lord. So many prayers for her went to the throne.
DeleteOh, my word! That baby is just a doll!! All of your grandkids are just beautiful...like you, sweet friend. You are such a sweet reflection of Jesus' love. I LOVE coming here and reading all about what is going on with you, and I always leave so refreshed in spirit. I also want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your faithful encouragement and support in all of my endeavors. Your comments mean the world to me, and it always blesses me so much to know that you have stopped to visit. That is such a neat thing at the end of your post about the carrot, egg, and coffee bean. I chose the coffee bean right off the bat, before I read what was under the picture, because I am right with you, girl. I LOVE coffee!!!! I so look forward to it every day. I'm watching carbs, so I add me some Trim Healthy Mama Gentle Sweet and carefully-measured half and half, and I am one happy girl!!! Sending love and many hugs to you, sweet friend!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you stopped by Cheryl. You are an amazing writer Cheryl. God has surely blessed you my friend with an extra dose of gifts and talents.
DeleteCindy, you find the best sales! I love coffee just like you do! I have to do without coffee for five days recently for a health issue and it was horrible!
ReplyDeleteI don't have an Instant Pot but they sound great! I've been thinking about getting one.
Your new grand is so sweet! Congrats to your older grand that is so musical.
That cake was so pretty! Bet it was delicious.
Thanks Bonnie. I am going to try another recipe out with the instant pot and see how it goes. The funny thing is that it's basically just a pressure cooker with all the bells and whistles. I can remember my granny using a pressure cooker. She loved to cook her meats in it.
DeleteMy goodness, what a lot of comments! I was enjoying reading them all as much as your post! I do not have an instant pot...not sure I would use it nowadays that I am retired...but it would have been nice when I was working. What kind of cake is that you baked? It looks very interesting and delicious! I love your sweet grandbabies, big and little ones...you are truly blessed with so many sweet ones to love and to love you back!! I am not a coffee drinker, but hubby is, so the pot is on every morning when we wake up. I have an electric teapot to boil hot water for my tea. However, the story at the end..yes, the coffee bean is the best answer. Kind of goes along with what I wrote today about being a sweet fragrance to the Lord... Have a blessed day dear friend. This was such fun. Loved your yard sale finds too. You hit the jackpot!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Pam. I have an electric teapot too. when I am sorta in a rush and really want a cup of hot tea I use it. I will have to send you the recipe on the cake. I didn't have enough confectionery sugar to make icing so decided to make thick glaze and then I melted some chocolate and added to the top.
DeleteI'm hearing great things about the insta pot. I love coffee too, Cindy, especially strong blends like Seattle Best.
ReplyDeleteI like strong blends too Mary and I really like the Black Silk by Folgers.
DeleteOh you cute thing! I am not a coffee drinker, but I do love my diet coke. :) I don't have an instant pot, but my daughter sure does love hers. Your new grand is so darn cute!!
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann
Thanks Jann. I love me a diet coke too!
DeleteOh man...wishing you shared the cake directions...looks great.
ReplyDeleteLOL! I will have to share that recipe next.
Delete