Saturday, March 16, 2024

Paper Pieced Mini Houses - Easy-Peezy-Simple-Small

Photo will go here as soon as I create one - can't be downloaded from internet.


Etsy shop where I purchased the pattern: JitkaDesign

Shipwreck Casserole


In a large bowl, combine:
     1 lb. scrambled ground beef
     3 sliced carrots
     1 chopped onion
     1/4 cabbage, chopped
     1 green pepper, diced
     4 cups shredded, frozen hash browns
     3/4 cup instant minute rice
     1 cup tomato sauce
     2 1/2 cups water
     1 can diced tomatoes
     1 t. salt
     1 t. pepper
     1 t. onion powder
     1 t. garlic powder
     1 t. Italian seasoning
     1 t. paprika
     1 cup shredded cheddar.
Stir together
Dump into sprayed 9 x 13 pan
Cover with aluminium foil

Bake at 350 for 60 minutes.
Add more cheese, cook for another 15 minutes (or skip this cheese....)

Thanks Julie Pacheko!

Dump & Go Broccoli, Ham and Rice Casserole


Spray 9 x 13 pan

2 c. chicken broth
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 t. salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika
     Whisk together
1 cup uncooked rice
1/2 cup cheese
12 oz. frozen broccoli
1 lb. diced ham (or chicken)

Stir.
Cover with foil

Bake at 375 for 55 minutes
Remove foil, stir, cover with another 1 cup cheese
10 more minutes.
Serve.

Another good one from Julie Pacheko.

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Orange Sesame Chicken Salad

From Andy's East Coast Kitchen
2 large chicken breasts, cubed, seasoned with:  l T. salt, 1 T,  pepper, 1 T. onion powder, 1 T. garlic powder, fried until brown on all sides.
5 c. cabbage, shredded thin (or cole slaw mixture)
2 oranges, segmented
1 c. sliced green onions
1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Toast and top with:
1/4 c. slivered almonds
2T. sesame seeds

Dressing, mixed in a mason jar:
1/2 c. sesame oil
1/4 c. maple syrup
1/3 c. soy sauce
3 t. rice wine vinegar
3 t. fresh ginger
zest of one orange
1 T. fresh orange juice


Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Upcoming Releases


 3/28  The Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton

4/30  Granite Harbor by Peter Nichols (coastal Maine murder mystery)

Sunday, March 10, 2024

20. Weyward by Emilia Hart

listened on Libby - borrowed from library
416 pgs.
2023
Adult Historical Fiction/Magical Realism
Finished 3/10/2024
Goodreads rating: 4.10
My rating:/
Setting: Cottage in England during three different time periods:  1619, 1942, contemporary

My comments: LOVE the cover!  Told from the point of view of three women in the Weyward family:  Altha, in 1619, on trial for practicing witchcraft, supposedly using a spell to have a farmer's cows trample him to death.  Violet, in 1942, living a hugely restricted life with her brother, being intimidated by a hateful father.  And then there's Kate in 2019, never leaving her flat because of an abusive, controlling husband, until she finally takes matters into her own hands.  Three really interesting stories of three strong women, bonded by blood and history and the huge touch of magic that connects them with the natural world, the birds, the bees, the bugs, and all growing things.  It was hard to put down and beautifully narrated by three different female voices.

Goodreads synopsis:  I am a Weyward, and wild inside.

2019: Under cover of darkness, Kate flees London for ramshackle Weyward Cottage, inherited from a great aunt she barely remembers. With its tumbling ivy and overgrown garden, the cottage is worlds away from the abusive partner who tormented Kate. But she begins to suspect that her great aunt had a secret. One that lurks in the bones of the cottage, hidden ever since the witch-hunts of the 17th century.

1619: Altha is awaiting trial for the murder of a local farmer who was stampeded to death by his herd. As a girl, Altha’s mother taught her their magic, a kind not rooted in spell casting but in a deep knowledge of the natural world. But unusual women have always been deemed dangerous, and as the evidence for witchcraft is set out against Altha, she knows it will take all of her powers to maintain her freedom.

1942: As World War II rages, Violet is trapped in her family's grand, crumbling estate. Straitjacketed by societal convention, she longs for the robust education her brother receives––and for her mother, long deceased, who was rumored to have gone mad before her death. The only traces Violet has of her are a locket bearing the initial W and the word weyward scratched into the baseboard of her bedroom.

Weaving together the stories of three extraordinary women across five centuries, Emilia Hart's Weyward is an enthralling novel of female resilience and the transformative power of the natural world.

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

19. The Man Burned by Winter by Pete Zacharias

#1 Rooker Lindstrom
listened on Audible/Kindle Unlimited
335 pgs.
2022
Adult Murder Mystery/Police Procedural/Serial Killer
Finished 3/6/2024
Goodreads rating: 4.10
My rating: 4 (with reservation,  hard to rate)
Setting: Contemporary 

My comments: This took me a little while to get into but ended up being a solid mystery.  Something happened at the very end of the book, though, that I didn't understand because I must have missed a tiny something somewhere earlier; the boy delivering the package containing the last painting; a boy with a scarred hand that Rooker recognized.  (Later note:  oh my, this was explained in one of the reviews on Goodreads by "Shivam," thank goodness!)  I get the feeling this may be the introduction to another story?     
     The protagonist, Rooker Lindstrom, a man with an agonizingly horrible past, a man who has sustained incredible psychological abuse - as well as physical - a man raised by a psychopath who killed, then beheaded many women - becomes the hero of the story.  I can't wait to read more about his upcoming life and escapades.  
     Lots of confusion in the storytelling, as well as a dozen red herrings.  I still totally enjoyed it, but not sure how to rate it because of flaws.....

Goodreads synopsis:  An investigative journalist on the edge. A serial killer testing his limits. What they have in common can freeze the blood.

Still reeling from a personal tragedy, investigative journalist Rooker Lindström finds a grim hideaway from the world. It’s the dilapidated cabin on Minnesota’s Deer Lake bequeathed to him by his late father—one of the most notorious serial killers in the state. If the walls of this murder house could talk, they’d scream.

Detective Tess Harlow needs something from Rooker only he can provide: a window into the mind of a murderer. A copycat is on the prowl, following in the footsteps of Rooker’s father. After reluctantly agreeing to take on the role of consultant, Rooker makes a chilling discovery. Every victim—five and counting—is a depraved taunt meant only for him. Rooker is not just tracking a killer playing sick games. In this brutal Minnesota winter, Rooker is confronting his past.

Maybe working with Tess is Rooker’s last chance at redemption. But to outrun his father’s legacy, he must follow a darker path still to come.

Saturday, March 2, 2024

18. The Egg and Other Stories by Andy Weir

listened on Audible
1:17 audio - 9 VERY short stories.....50 pgs.?
2017
Adult SciFi Short Story
Finished 3/2/24
Goodreads rating: 3.96
My rating: 3

My comments: Nine very short stories.  My favorite was the first, "Access."  Am man goes to work early one day and discovers a 23-year-old in his office.  They have an interesting conversation and the last sentence of the story, the twist, is a hoot.  That's what really stood out, the twist at the very end of each of the stories.  Some were better than others, of course.

Goodreads synopsis:  Collected for the first time anywhere, the nine tales in The Egg and Other Stories highlight Andy Weir's trademark wit and unexpected twists. For the few who have yet to experience The Martian, it's a perfect appetizer. For passionate Weir fans, it's a delicious dessert.
Stories included in this audio-exclusive collection are:
"Access"
"Antihypoxiant"
"Annie's Day"
"The Real Deal"
"Bored World"
"The Midtown Butcher"
"Meeting Sarah"
"The Chef"
"The Egg"

Scrap Strips Diamond Trip

 

Saved under "Patterns" on computer AND here: Scrap_Strips_Diamond_Trip.pdf (shopify.com)

You can watch her put it together on her YouTube video, too!

Italian Lentil Barley Soup-in-a-Jar (or not)

This soup mix is perfect to give away or keep. It makes a delicious tomato barley lentil soup that is hearty and flavorful. Best of all, you can have a hot dinner with only pantry ingredients, no chopping, and just 20 minutes in the Instant Pot. WHAT a gift!

Course: Soup
Servings5 servings
AuthorFaithful Plateful
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup green or brown lentils
  • 1/2 cup barley (sub brown rice or quinoa for gluten free)
  • 1/2 cup split peas
  • 1/3 cup wild rice or a wild rice blend
  • 1 TBSP dried minced onion
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp thyme
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 4 tsp vegetable boullion (or enough cubes to make 4 cups of broth)
Instructions
  1. Layer the ingredients in order in a pint-size jar. Attach the following instructions.

To make the soup:
  1. Add contents of jar to a crock pot or instant pot with 7 cups water, 1 6-oz can tomato paste, and 1 14-oz can diced tomatoes. Pressure cook for 20 minutes (quick or natural release) or slow-cook on low for 6 hours. Makes 5-6 servings. Add more salt and pepper to taste, and red pepper flakes if desired. Delicious served with your favorite crusty bread.

Save from: Italian Lentil Barley Soup-in-a-Jar • (faithfulplateful.com)

Friday, March 1, 2024

17. Georgie, All Along - Kate Clayborn

listened on Libby, borrowed from Library
340 pgs.
2023
Adult Romance
Finished 3/1/2024
Goodreads rating: 3.81
My rating: 4.5
Setting: Contemporary Virginia, alongside a river

My comments: This one checks off all the boxes for a decent romantic comedy with a little steam.  I loved getting to know the characters and their back stories, it wasn't all drama and misunderstandings through those were definitely included.  Great narrators, the male put on the southern accent that was quite charming.  The philosophical-trying-to-figure-things-out parts didn't drive me nuts, as they usually do.  I very much enjoyed this story and greatly looked forward to returning to it.

Goodreads synopsis:  A wise and witty new novel that echoes with timely questions about love, career, reconciling with the past, and finding your path while knowing your true worth.

Longtime personal assistant Georgie Mulcahy has made a career out of putting others before herself. When an unexpected upheaval sends her away from her hectic job in L.A. and back to her hometown, Georgie must confront an uncomfortable truth: her own wants and needs have always been a disconcertingly blank page.

But then Georgie comes across a forgotten artifact—a “friendfic” diary she wrote as a teenager, filled with possibilities she once imagined. To an overwhelmed Georgie, the diary’s simple, small-scale ideas are a lifeline—a guidebook for getting started on a new path.

Georgie’s plans hit a snag when she comes face to face with an unexpected roommate—Levi Fanning, onetime town troublemaker and current town hermit. But this quiet, grouchy man is more than just his reputation, and he offers to help Georgie with her quest. As the two make their way through her wishlist, Georgie begins to realize that what she truly wants might not be in the pages of her diary after all, but right by her side—if only they can both find a way to let go of the pasts that hold them back.

Honest and deeply emotional, Georgie, All Along is a smart, tender must-read for everyone who’s ever wondered about the life that got away . . .

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Homeless Blanket #22 - The Vivian


Greens and Purples
10 rounds before final round
Final round is Herschner's #1087 Greige (8 oz.)
4 x 7 = 28 squares

Easy Peasy Pineapple Fluff


1 pkg. Instant vanilla or cheesecake pudding mix
1 (20 ox.) can crushed pineapple, juice and all
1 (8 oz.) container whipped topping

Mix pudding mix and fruit together, let sit for 5 min.
Fold in whipped topping.
Refrigerate for at least an hour.

Try with different pudding flavors (banana cream, coconut cream, white chocolate, vanilla, cheesecake...)

Try with different fruits:  fruit cocktail, chopped ccanned peaches, chopped mandarin oranges....

Taco Tater Tot Casserole



  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 chopped onion
  • 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper
  • 1 tsp each of cumin, dried cilantro,
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne
  • 1 can corn (drained)
  • 1 can Rotel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chiles (not drained)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded Colby Jack Cheese
  • Tater Tots or Crispy Crowns

Scramble ground beef, then add rest of ingredients through the sour cream with 1 cup of the cheese.
Cover with remaining cheese, then layer on tater tots.

Bake at 400 for 30-35 minutes.

Thanks, Cooking in the Midwest

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

16. Fragile Designs by Colleen Coble

listened on Audible
352 pgs.
2024
adult murder mystery 
Finished 2/27/24
Goodreads rating: 4.24
My rating: 2
Setting: Contemporary Beaufort & Savannah, Georgia

My comments: I'm afraid there were more things I disliked about the story than liked.  Very little that happened was believable.  The series of events and their numerous characters were even less believable.  The outcome was ridiculous.  Over-the-top mean, jealous sisters who instantly change their tune after many years.  And at the HEA, the baby that was adopted three years previously - a huge part of the plotline -  was not even in the picture! Absolutely no mention.  And the 70-year-old reunited twins discovered their birth mother was still alive and kicking.  On top of all that, add a whole lot of praying and I can't believe I even finished this story. So much eye-rolling during this listen.      I DID like the setting.

Goodreads synopsis:   NOTE:  This synopsis says the neighbor/co-protagonists' name is SIMON.  It's Not!  If I remember right it's Lucas.... Family secrets can be the most dangerous of all. When Carly Tucker’s police-officer husband is killed during a home break-in, she knows that her side hustle finding the antique treasures at flea markets isn’t enough to support her and their infant son, Noah. So her grandmother’s proposal to have her and her two sisters restore the family’s waterfront Beaufort home into a bed-and-breakfast--that Carly will run--is immediately intriguing. But it’s equally daunting with the animosity that exists between the three sisters. What Carly never expected as she begins to go through the attic was to find a letter in a trunk, written in her husband’s handwriting . . . dated two days before his death. Eric had discovered that Carly’s grandmother was adopted--a fact Carly is certain Gram is not aware of--and had already begun trying to track down her birth family. Is it possible that Eric’s death wasn’t random after all? With few options, Carly reaches out to Gram’s neighbor Simon—and the older brother of her high school sweetheart--who is a local homicide detective. One of the items in the trunk is an enameled egg. If it truly is a Faberge egg, the value could set Carly up for life . . . and would certainly be worth killing for. The journey to find the truth and protect her family will have Carly delving deep into the lost treasures of Eastern Europe--if she and Simon can survive that long.