{Gardening, Thrifting, Cooking, Grands and Life}

We have been longing for a little rain and finally got enough to wet the ground. Not a whole lot but praise the Lord for what He did send. My "pretties" actually are looking ALIVE!

I decided to clear out a few more clothing pieces and shoes from my closet. Hasn't been too long that I cleaned out my closet but done a swipe through and actually found a few more things that I needed to rid of. I carried a bag full to our local Thrift store in our community. Of course I could not carry something in and not browse though......That's why it's better for me to take things to donate when they are closed and leave it in the bin!!! I take my thrifting by spells but when time allows I enjoy going into our local thrift store called Rack Up. The volunteers are always so nice and it's a good way to run into someone you know but haven't seen in a long time and actually take a little time to visit with them. But, this Thrift store is a little different. It's a Thrift Store that sells donated merchandise to better our community. All Net proceeds benefit Veterans, Schools and Children and in our Community. And...they are NOT overpriced!

 Look at these beautiful goblets that I bought!!! WHAT? $1 each? I spotted those pretties and walked by them once. 2nd time around I grabbed them up quicker than I can eat a hot fresh chocolate chip cookie and y'all, that's pretty quick! There sat 8 of those beautiful goblets. Look at the stem? Just beautiful!

I had found 4 of the beautiful Johnson Brother's plates a few years ago and what do you know? Spotted two more at the thrift store so grabbed them up. Yellow oval platter screamed summer time to me. But, I could use it with some blue for a beach theme too. Ideas are endless for the platter. 

 This was a wow moment for me when I saw this beautiful sea shell charger. When I picked it up I could not believe how heavy it was. 
Beach theme is already whirling in my head.
Wouldn't it be cute with a hurricane shade and candle sitting in the center? 

This was the price sticker on the back. Girls, I sorta like this carrying a bag of clothes in to donate and leaving with two bag fulls of goodies! My kind of thrifting.  

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 I had to show y'all my sweet potato vine. I stuck that sweet potato in water a couple of months ago and that thing has taken off. 

 That baby girl is walking everywhere! She took a few steps and within a week the kid is almost running!

I kept these cuties on Friday. We had a fun day. We played Barbies, watched cartoons, played on the swing, swam in their little pool and you name it and we done it. I keep two other granddaughters on Monday nights and Tuesdays during the summer so needless to say there is always something fun going on with the grands. Of course my 11 year old grandgirl helped Nana clean house last week....Wonder what I can get her to do this week? LOL! She's trying to earn a little money for her New York Trip so you know Nana has to help her out a little....AND it helps Nana! 

 I had one large batch of potatoes left from my garden and needed to get them cooked. Then, my SIL David gave me a batch of Zucchini that his Uncle had gotten from Georgia. 
So what could I make for Sunday dinner that would be different? YES, Zucchini and Potato Bake. 
DO YOU KNOW HOW LONG IT TOOK ME TO LINE THOSE ZUCCHINI AND POTATOES UP SO PRETTY????

 Made a little creamy cheese sauce.

Pour that YUMMY cheese sauce over my zucchini and potatoes and baked. 

 YES...it was a winner! Very creamy and good.

Recipe at the end of the post for you if you wanna give it a try. Keep in mind that I made a large pan so therefore I adjusted accordingly.  We like leftovers at my house and I always make enough food that my family can carry a plate home. So...I cook BIG.

And I want to leave you with this.....No matter how young or how old you are...you my friend are BLESSED and BLESSED beyond measure. 
 “Beyond measure” indicates something that is immeasurable—too large, extensive or extreme to calculate. Think about that for a moment.  To be blessed beyond measure  is to experience the extreme goodness of God. If you took a BREATH this morning then you are BLESSED. 
I hope that you all have a great and BLESSED week. 

Hugs and blessings, Cindy

Zucchini and Potato Bake
9x13 casserole dish sprayed with Pam
Slice Zucchini with peeling on into 1/4 inch or so. Slice potatoes a little thicker. Use two large Zucchini's or 4-5 small ones. Use around 2 lbs of potatoes. 
Layer veggies in pan with round edges standing up. YUP...it's all about presentation right?
Sprinkle a tad of Sea or Kosher salt and some pepper over the top of veggies. 
CREAM SAUCE:  
1/2 tsp dried oregano 
1/2 tsp dried parsley 
2 cups heavy whipping cream 
1 1/2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese (divided up into equal amounts)
1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese any kind you like (divide up into equal amounts)
2 garlic cloves minced or one teaspoon of minced garlic

2 Tbsp chopped chives or green onion 
1/2 stick butter
Flour to make roux (to thicken your sauce)
 To Make: 
Pour your heavy whipping cream in a pot with exception of 4 tablespoons of it. Set that aside.
Turn stove on medium and then add your butter, garlic, chives or onion, parsley and oregano. Use a whisk and mix ingredients together. Take about 2 tablespoons of flour and put in a drinking glass and add your 4 tablespoons of heavy cream to it and mix well. Set aside. Now take half of BOTH of your cheeses and whisk into the milk/spice pot until melted. Cut your burner up just enough that a little rolling boil begins (not too much or you will burn your milk) and then add your flour mixture to thicken. Give it a good whisk and then pour it over your Zucchini and Potatoes. Top it with your remaining cheeses.  And for good measure I sprinkled a little more Parmesan on top.
 BAKE:
Bake in preheated oven of 400 degrees, uncovered for about 45 minutes. Taste test the veggies to be sure they are cooked to your liking. You can garnish it with more chives if you like.