Living Simply
There was recently a special on the iPad apps to get games for .99 instead of $4 – $5 so I added Scrabble to help challenge my brain.
A new word I learned this morning is pule.
It means to cry in a thin voice, whimper.
I’ll have to think about when I can use that word in my vocabulary.
Some nice Christmas music I found on Amazon today by different orchestras/choirs.
The Messiah, HWV 56: Hallelujah Chorus
Children’s Corner, L 113: IV. The Snow is Dancing
Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major, BWV 1048: I. Allegro
Enjoy!
With all the snow that Minnesota has been getting lately, and the cold temperatures, I decided I needed warm boots.
I rarely shop for myself but when I do, I usually go to Nordstrom’s since my shopping time is usually quick there, service is great, and I find exactly what I’m looking for.
Within 10 minutes of walking into Nordstrom’s I found my new UGG boots.
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| UGG Boots |
When I tried them on they felt snug. The salesperson assured me that this was the correct fit and that they will stretch.
Trusting him, as I have previous Nordstrom salespeople, I left with my boots in hand.
They are truly warm and comfortable. I had the option of getting an insert to give foot support but for $40 I decided to pass on it.
I figure I won’t be wearing them all the time so I shouldn’t have to worry too much about support.
I tried a simple recipe that I found at allrecipes.com for pancakes.
The recipe is included below although I changed one measure — the salt. The original recipe says add 1 teaspoon salt but I found that one teaspoon is too much. I’d suggest trying 1/2 teaspoon salt and if you want a little more flavor add a wee bit of vanilla.
This recipe is so simple and makes quite a few pancakes so I suggest you make a large batch of the recipe and then put some away in a container for future use. No need to go out and buy already made pancake mixes.
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| Pancakes from scratch |
These are fluffy and you can add other ingredients like mashed bananas, blueberries or thinly sliced applies.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 1/4 cups milk
1 egg
3 tablespoons butter, melted
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Make a well (hole) in the center and pour in the milk, egg and melted butter. Mix until smooth.
Heat a lightly oiled griddle over medium heat. (I used butter but I’m sure a non-stick spray will work as well.) Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.
I thought 1/4 cup was too little so I added more but the batter spread quickly so I’d stick with the 1/4 cup that it calls for.
Enjoy!
It’s always nice to receive Christmas packages in the mail. Especially when they come from people you aren’t expecting a package from such as the real estate agent who recently sold our Seattle house.
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| Godiva Chocolates |
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| Godiva Dark Chocolates |
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| Godiva Milk Chocolate Assortment |
The boxes came wrapped in cellophane which I immediately removed.
These dark chocolate pieces will go fast as there are only four of them.
The milk chocolates have a smooth taste and almost melt in your mouth.
They taste fresh and are highly recommended.
Thank you to Carrie Pierce, Home Realty Realtor in Seattle, WA. If you’re looking for a top-notch agent, this is the person to use (and not just because she sent us chocolates).
Most years, we go out and get a live blue Frasier tree for Christmas.
We bring it in and let it dry overnight for a day before putting on the Christmas music and decorating it.
We have received many ornaments throughout the years. Some are angels, different color balls, snowflakes, birds, etc.
Every year we methodically place the ornaments on the tree remembering the people who gave them to us and when we received it.
This year, our small artificial tree has ornaments that we bought at Walmart and Target.
We had no memories with the ornaments we placed on our tree this year except the new ones we made.
A move to Minnesota.
A new job.
Apartment living.
Close proximity to family.
Snow.
House-hunting.
Yet the memories we have of the ornaments of “old” still remain with us. Never to be replaced by these ornaments.
Each person who walked through my life has been etched in my mind — their smile, laugh, advice. Each one as different as each ornament — unique.
It reminds me of a Scripture that says “And even the very hairs of your head are numbered.” Found in Matthew 10:30 this verse refers us to God who knows everything about us including the number of hairs on our head.
We are never forgotten by Him.
We received a poinsettia plant for Christmas many years ago. After Christmas, I was vacuuming and put it in the furnace closet to get it out of the way.
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| Poinsettia |
When I first went to the Mall of America, I was surprised to see such a large indoor amusement “park.” I couldn’t keep my eyes off of all the rides. And my fear — which is probably unwarranted — is that one of those “rides” will fly off the track and into the crowd. Not impossible but probably not probable.
Having had severe vertigo in the past, and still having residual effects from it, I would not get on any of the rides. Besides, not sure anyone would want to hear me yell that loud.
Part of the roller coaster ride.
This brought back memories of the outdoor carousel in downtown Seattle that would go up every Christmas season.
The roller coaster is massive and makes me dizzy just to look at the people go upside down.
The last memory I have of being on a ferris wheel was when I was growing up in Chicago.
This is a “kiddy” ride. The bus basically goes up and down. It’s funny to watch it go up and down as it looks so boring
And yet, it’s perfect for the kids.
These are lockers for those who get tired of carrying everything around. The smallest one is $5.00. A little steep for a little space.
Last minute shopping took me to the Mall of America. It’s huge! So many stores and lots of walking.
The first time I went here, I had dressed warmly for the cold weather with thermal underwear, hat, scarf, sweater — then regretted it after an hour of being inside as I not only had to lug everything I bought but I had to lug all of the clothing that I had taken off.
This time, I dressed warmly but left my coat in the car and dashed into the mall which is heated quite well.
The Lego display caught my attention today.
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| Lego Display |
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The displays were up where one could not touch them.
They were massive-looking and must have taken a long time to create.
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| Legos |
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| Lego Display |
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| Lego Display |
After the blizzard of December 2010, we had mounds of snow throughout the twin cities. They have not finished trying to find places to put these mounds. Sometimes while driving, it’s difficult to see around the snow so one has to be careful not to hit anything or anyone when they drive around the bend, er mound.
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| Woodbury, MN blizzard 2010 |
This pile of snow was in a parking lot in a mini mall.
