Coffee Klatch Friday

WELCOME!
Come ... sit. The coffee is ready and I baked some cookies to share . This recipe is my Mom's recipe for Chocolate Chip Cookies. I substituted M&M's for the chocolate chips.
These cookies are just perfect for dunking! They are crispy and crunchy, not soft and chewy. So. if you want a glass of milk instead ... I totally understand.

This week for Coffee Klatch Friday I have chosen to have a discussion. This came about after reading several blogs. Now I know that we cannot have a real discussion, but I hope you will share your insight on the subject.

THE SUBJECT:
How do you take care of yourself? What do you do to re-energize yourself, to be the best you can be for your family and friends? What do you do for your "me time"?

You know, as mother's, wives, best friend's, and big sister's, we feel that we need to make everything okay for everyone in our lives. But worrying and stressing over what other people should do or what we need to do to help them is not good for us. We need to step back and take time for ourselves. 

How do I do that? 

Mostly in little ways. 

When I work long hours, I come home, have a lite dinner, take a hot bath, and go to bed early. I don't do the dishes or worry about laundry. They will still be there. (When my children were in Jr. High and High School they were required to fix dinner once a week, including clean up. On Saturday morning they would decide what they wanted to make and on what day they would make it. When I went grocery shopping  whatever was needed was bought. At first it was more of a hassle than a help, but it taught then several things ( how to follow a recipe, planning out meals, using your time wisely)  and eventually freed up some time for me.) I have come to realize that dinner doesn't have to be a huge production. It's ok to have soup and a grilled cheese sandwich or French Toast for dinner. A large salad and baked potato  is a great meal, quick, easy, and not heavy. I have also come to realize that most things don't need to be done "right now".

Yes, we do need to keep things neat and tidy, but not to the point that it stresses us out.

My "me time" also involves , at least once a month, going to Antique shops. I'm not necessarily going to buy something, but just to look. It is time that I spend by myself, enjoying something, without someone trying to get my attention. I think it's important to get away from your normal routine, to be away from things that can barge in and steal away the time I have chosen for me. I think the most important thing is, the time does not have to be long, but you do need to make "the time", to do something you enjoy.

So, how do you spend time on yourself? What are some of the things that you have come to realize you need to do to keep your life less stressful? Many people will say they don't have stress. Day to day life is stress ... it's how you handle it. 

Looking forward to what you have to share.
Please remember to LINK up!
~Vicki~

Coffee Klatch Friday

Here are the questions:

1. What was 1 of the memorable events in your life last year?
2. What do you look forward to regarding your blog for this year?
Here are the answers:1. I'd have to say my youngest, my baby, moving out on her own. Yes, we have an empty nest now.In saying that, I know for some people it is a hard adjustment. For me, it hasn't been to bad. The reasons are#1. daughter #2 was working 2 jobs and going to school. She was, pretty much only home to study and sleep, eat, and do laundry. She already was kind of on her own, without actually being on her own.#2. I am one of those people who doesn't mind being alone. I enjoy the quiet when I am watching tv or on the computer (in fact, when I am on the computer, the sound is usually off). I have never been one to go out and party or have to be with someone so I'm not I'm bored. 2. Ahhhh ... for blogging, I want to get back into some meme's that I have done in the past. I especially enjoy ABC WEDNESDAY and am going to try my hand at Project 365(6). Project 365 is where you take a picture a day and post it. Now .... I'm sure you're thinking ... hmmmmm ... I haven't seen any pictures. You are right! I have never been one of those people who post daily on my blog. I have decided that I will post 7 pictures on Sundays. They won't be perfect, they probably won't be memorable or of any significance ... I lead a pretty mundane life ... but it will be something that will have been part of my day.I will also be posting (at least trying to) everyday things, like recipes (I know, some of you don't cook   and that's ok), crafts, garden stuff, etc. So please come back often and leave a comment or 2 ... or 3... or 4. Feedback is a great encouragement!

So, what are you waiting for?

Coffee Klatch Friday

Happy 1st. Friday of 2012!

Grab your cup and get a comfy seat! Did you get a good night's sleep? Me? No, too many things were running through my head.First, I want to thank those who left comments about this meme. I guess we will just have to wait and see what the days ahead bring. At least for now, we'll march ahead ... hoping more will join in.Today is just a little impromptu post. I wanted to do something different, but that didn't pan out. Oh well, there's plenty of time ahead. Today there are just a couple quick questions.
1. What was 1 of the memorable events in your life last year?
2. What do you look forward to regarding your blog for this year?
I'm going to post this now so you can get started. Look for my post later today.

COFFEE KLATCH FRIDAY

Are you ready?

I know it's been awhile ... and in all honesty I was going to chalk it up as a failure. I have enjoyed getting to know the one's who have posted and I am glad that they have been willing to share themselves. I had hoped that more would post and not just drop by and read. So, here's your chance. Does the Coffee Kolatch go or stay? What are some ideas that you want to share? What are things you enjoy or want to know more about? I guess, what I should be asking is  ... What would you comment on?

COFFEE KLATCH FRIDAY

WOW!!! Is it Thursday already? I trust you enjoyed your Thanksgiving Holiday. Mine was busy. Son came into town for a few days. We celebrated "Baby Girl's" birthday ( the 25th).  Just a lot of enjoying one another in a short amount of time.

I want to let you know that I really appreciate the women who have posted on this meme. I have enjoyed learning about you and I am grateful that you care enough to share yourself with me and whoever else that stops by to read.

As we head into the Christmas Season (no political correctness here), I hope you will share a little of your family life. For the next five weeks ... YES 5 ... I am asking you to share some of the TRADITIONS that your family partakes in. That would be 1 tradition a week. Now ... don't let the word "TRADITION" get you in an uproar. It doesn't have to be anything Spectacular, just something you and\or your family does at this time of year. It may be something you are starting this year or something you have done for many years. It can be something HUGE!  It can be something  small. And please ... visit the other Bloggers who post and  leave a comment.

Subject ~
Did you go "Black Friday" shopping? If so, Did you get any great deals? If not, How did you spend "Black Friday"?

COFFEE KLATCH FRIDAY

Getting by with a little help from my friend's.Today is the 6th Coffee Klatch Friday!And today ... the format is going to be a little different.
Today I am asking my friend's for their opinions.If you have been reading my blog you know that I took a job, somewhat different than what I was doing, but in the same company. This is a seasonal job. It in no way affects my previous job. My previous job is still there... just slowing down and soon will be laying off people. I have to admit, that was one on the reasons I enjoy this job. A little down time over the Holidays.Back to my new job ... I am thinking about quitting it. There are several reasons. First, we have to SELL the product. People come in to buy items and that's ok, but we are required to show them 8 other products and try to get them to buy them. I don't like people pushing me and I don't like feeling that I am pushy to someone else.Second, we had our 1st (if you could call it that) winter storm yesterday. I worked for the previous job and it took me almost 30 minutes to get to my school. Traffic was terrible, weather was terrible ... it was not a fun time at all. I figured out that if I had gone to the "new" job, I would have been at least 45 minutes late. If there are only 2 of you working ... this can cause a great havoc ... for you and the customers. The job is already 50 minutes away and it is not too bad when it is daylight, but if we were to get a storm while I was at work ... taking 2 hours to get home in the dark would not be fun.Third, we are on a "come in as needed" scheduled. Meaning, I am scheduled for certain days. I must call in the night before  to see if I am needed (is there enough going on) to be there the next day. So far, the 2 days I was scheduled I was not needed.I have never quit anything! And even though I want to quit ... I have mixed feelings about doing so.HELP ME!!! I just need so reassurance that I am making the right choice.
SUBJECTThis week there is no subject. HOWEVER, starting on Friday, Nov.11, please take a daily photo of something you are thankful for. At the next Coffee Klatch Friday you should have 7 photos to share!Have a great week!~VICKI~

COFFEE KLATCH FRIDAY

WOW!! Can you believe it??! It's the 5th Coffee Klatch Friday!

Come on in! Sit! Have a hot cup of something ... coffee, tea, hot chocolate, apple cider ... You are with friends!
Today we are chatting about our "Bucket List's".I'm sure you've seen the movie. A dying man decides he wants to do all these crazy, dangerous thing because he has found out that he doesn't have much longer to live,Hmmmmm.... I'm not sure my list is really crazy, or for that fact dangerous. AND ... let me say that many of the things that I have done weren't even on my list. BUT ... I have been blessed to be able to do them and are grateful for the experiences.
1. I have always wanted to take a "stained glass" class.

I would love to make something like this to hang in my window.2.  I would like to raise chickens and have farm fresh eggs.

3. I would like to go to the Hot Air Balloon Festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

4. I would LOVE to go to Africa. (The photographer in me )

5. I would like to take a cruise to the Bahamas.

I have been to the outer Islands of the Bahamas and plan to go back.

The Cruise would take me to "The Atlantis Waterpark" which is my true destination.

Taking the cruise is cheaper than taking a vacation to Atlantis.

6. I would love to have a "Beach House", somewhere where it is warm all winter.

7. I would love to see Whales in the wild.

8. I would love to see Manatee in the wild.

9. I would love to learn how to make Biscoti.

I have tried, but it just never turns out right.

10. I would like to meet some, most, all of my blogging friends.

SUBJECT

MY FAVORITE CANDY

Over the years my favorite candy has changed ... a little.

When I was a child, my favorite candy bar was a MARS BAR.

Until recently ... when I found them at a popular retail store... I had not given them much though because it has been some time since I have seen them.

When I was in High School, everyday of my Sophomore I ate a bag of M&M's

I also liked "Bit O Honey" candy which is kinda like a toffee.

Now ... I don't eat candy a lot. BUT if I do have a candy bar it is a SNICKERS.

or 

I also enjoy an M&M Blizzard on occasion

.

Looking forward to seeing your lists!

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a GREAT week!

~FYI~ Coffee Klatch Friday~

This is a shout out to all my Coffe Klatch Friday friends. If you have checked on any comments that I have left on other peoples blogs you will know that I have been working 2 jobs. This week these jobs have been overlapping. Unfortunatly that cuts down on the time I am on-line. This looks like it may be the last week of 2 jobs (working in the same company, 2 different locations, 2 different , but similar positions). YEAH!!! I am looking forward to being able to put more time in on getting to know each of you.
Tomorrow afternoon wil be the regular Coffee Klatch Friday post. I know you are all fast thinkers and will be able to post on short notice.

Getting to know you ~
10 (or close to it) items on your "Bucket List"
Subject~ With Halloween being this past week.
Please share with us what your favorite candy is and why it is your favorite.

COFFEE KLATCH FRIDAY

Welcome to the 4th Coffee Klatch Friday!
Pour a cup of coffee ( or the drink you prefer), pull up a chair, sit ... relax ... visit ... enjoy! You are with your friends.

Today we are sharing 10 things that we have done.
1. I have been "Cruising" Meaning that I have been on a Cruise ... actually 3. My first Cruise was a present for my 50th birthday. I went to Cozumel, Mexico with my oldest daughter and some of her friends.My second cruise was with hubby for our 30th Anniversary. My 3rd cruise was with my daughter and grandchildren for Spring Break.

 I think that going on a Cruise is an economical way to take a vacation to a place and to participate in some activities that you may otherwise not get the chance to do.
2. I have kissed a Stingray.

It is said ... If you kiss a Stingray, you will have good luck for 1 year.
3. I have attempted underwater photography.

You may remember from my list of things I have not done that I never learned to swim. But that doesn't stop me from sitting in 4 feet of water or throwing on a life jacket and grabbing a camera to attempt new things.
4. I have been to The Mall of America.

The Mall of America is in Bloomington, Minnesota. It is the home of over 520 retail stores. Yes, we do some shopping while we are there, but we always spend much more time in the Amusement Park in the center of the Mall.

5. I have "observed" a marathon.The Chicago Marathon.

 2 of my children have participated in the Chicago Marathon ... twice.
6. I have made a cheesecake from scratch.I have no picture. It was almost 12 years ago. It was time consuming and I'd like to try it again ... I just can't find the time to try again.
7. I have been to The Statue of Liberty.

My sister, 3 brothers, and I took a "siblings trip" to New York in May.Where is the 3rd brother ... he's taking the picture.8. I have been "river tubing".

For the past 2 summers, this is how my family enjoys those HOT summer days.9. I have been to Butterfly World in Coconut Creek, Fl.It is suppose to be the largest butterfly habitat in the U.S.

10. I have survived Cancer.In 1993 I was diagnosed with Colon Cancer. I was 36 years old.I had surgery to remove 24 inches of my colon and had to do a year of treatment. 
The reason behind doing many of these things is because I survived cancer. I learned that making memories and spending time, taking pictures and enjoying the one's you love are what will last. I havebeen blessed to have the opportunity to do these things. No one knows what tomorrow will hold ... so make the most of today.
My Recipe
As the weather gets colder, I revert back to foods that are simple and make me feel cozy.Chicken & Noodles I brown boneless chicken breast {using a non stick spray like PAM) in a pot. How many? At least a couple, depending on how much I want to make. I brown both side to a lovely shade of caramel brown. This will also give you some caramelization ( this adds flavor) in your pot. Once the sides are browned, I add just enough water to cover the breasts and let them simmer for about 15 minutes.  I remove them from the pot, letting them cool slightly, and shred them. Back in the pot they go with a can or 2 of chicken broth. I salt and pepper the ingredients and then add about 3/4 of a bag of egg noodles. Stir, stir, and stir. The noodles will absorb most of the liquid, so you may have to add more water, but not a lot. It's ready when the noodles are tender. Sometimes I will add some diced carrot or celery when I am simmering the breasts to add more flavor... just depends on what I have on hand and how soon I want to eat.
Please remember to add the COFFEE KLATCH FRIDAY button to your post and link your post with the Simple Linked widget.Thanks for sharing a cup of coffee !

COFFEE KLATCH FRIDAY

Happy Tuesday all my Coffee Friends! Sorry I'm a couple of days late. Here's what's up for this week.
Please list 10 things you have done. 
The subject this week will be a recipe.Anything FALLish, ie something you like to fix when cooler weather takes over the short, Fall days.It can be anything!
Looking forward to hearing from you!~Vicki~

                           COFFEE KLATCH FRIDAY

Welcome to the 3rd Coffee Klatch Friday!


I have been encouraged by those who have posted. It's always hard to start something new, especially at my age (50 something) and after the first week it would have been easy to slate this Meme as a failure. Thank you Chris, for keeping after me to post. I am not sure how long this will last, but I am sure I will make new friends.

                         ~The Goal ~

To have a community of bloggers that are friends,

 that can come together once a week with ideas and

 support for one another. We all blog for different

reasons. For some, it is to be heard, for some it is to

  share, and for some it may be acknowledgement.

 After all, many blogs are just your thoughts, feelings,

 and experiences ... that you share ... and here it is

  easier.


This week's . . . I want to say questions . . . but they are really more like statements.


Please list 10 random things that you have

never done.

1. Eaten Blueberry Pie
~ My favorite pie is Raspberry. I enjoy Blueberry Muffins and pancakes, but for some reason Blueberry Pie looks, at least to me that it would be too sweet.~

2. Been to Canada
~ I love to travel and some day my get to Canada. Hubby has been there several times.~

3. Worn a Wedding Dress
~ Hubby and I eloped almost 33 years ago, and even though I did wear a dress... it wasn't a Wedding Dress or anything formal.~

4. Sang Karaoke
~ I have gone to karaoke (cruise ship) , but I'm more of an observer ... not participant.~

5. Been skiing (snow or water)
~ The rest of my family snow ski and go a couple times a year. Hubby and 1 daughter have watered skied , not sure my knees would hold out. ~

6. Eaten Sushi
~YUCK!~

7. Gone sky diving
~ 2 of my children have gone sky diving and the 3 would love to try. I possibly could do this, but have never given it much thought.~

8. Gotten a tattoo
~ 2 of my children have tattoo's and where we live it is a very popular thing to do. I would say that 60% of the women I work with have them ... just not for me~

9. Learned to swim
~ I have taken swim lessons... I was probably about 7 years old, but ... I really can only dog paddle, so maybe I could save myself, but you would be out of luck. ~

10. Been to Alaska
~ I have mixed feels about this ... I would love to see Alaska, but I really don't like cold weather ... I love HOT weather. Yes, I know I live where cold weather is part of the norm, but I am content to stay insides for weeks at a time when we have that weather.~

SUBJECT:
Please share with us something that you do to prepare for this changing weather.


One of the things we have to do to prepare for the changing season is massive yard work. With almost 30 broad leaf trees and almost the same number of pine trees, our yard gets pretty messy when all those leaves start falling. Unfortunately, falling leaves can go on for weeks. That means the clean up goes on for weeks too. Leaves are raked, mowed, and burned ... yes ... we can do that out in the country, but that is left for a last resort. Leaves are also mulched to cover flower beds. Apples from our trees that are not usable or have fallen on the ground are gathered and piled on the edge of the wooded lot next door for the wildlife that gather there.

We have been able to mow and mulch the leaves in our front yard once so far. Hopefully, we will get the backyard done this Saturday. Rainy and windy weather have hampered our yard work, but ... it's not really going anywhere anytime soon.

Your turn!.

Please link up and remember to include the COFFEE KLATCH FRIDAY button in your post.

~Vicki~

COFFEE KLATCH FRIDAY

Welcome to the 3rd Coffee Klatch Friday!

I have been encouraged by those who have posted. It's always hard to start something new, especially at my age  (50 something) and after the first week it would have been easy to slate this Meme as a failure. Thank you Chris, for keeping after me to post. I am not sure how long this will last, but I am sure I will make new friends.


                               ~The Goal ~ 
To have a community of bloggers that are friends, that can come together once a week with ideas and support for one another. We all blog for different reasons. For some, it is to be heard, for some it is to share, and for some it may be acknowledgement. After all, many blogs are just your thoughts, feelings, and experiences ... that you share  ... and here it is easier. 


This week's . . . I want to say questions . . . but they are really more like statements.


Please list 10 random things that you have never done.


They don't have to be things that you would like to do. Just, maybe things that you know of others doing that you have not. You can elaborate as much or as little as you want.


Subject


No matter where you live, the weather is changing. 


Please share with us something that you do to prepare for this changing weather.

Looking forword to your post on Friday, Oct. 21!

COFFEE KLATCH FRIDAY

Welcome to the 2nd Coffee Klatch Friday!

                                                         ~The Goal ~ 
To have a community of bloggers that are friends, that can come together once a week with ideas and support for one another. We all blog for different reasons. For some, it is to be heard, for some it is to share, and for some it may be acknowledgement. After all, many blogs are just your thoughts, feelings, and experiences ... that you share  ... and here it is easier. 


This weeks Question(s) :


What did you want to be when you grew up?  Are you that now?  What is 1 thing you LOVE about what you do , or who you are?


This week's subject:


Please share a photo or 2 of what your area of the world looks like.


1.What did you want to be when you grew up? 


First, let me say that when I was growing up girls (women) were not given or told about all the opportunities that were available to them. I grew up in the 60's and 70's. The popular role models that we had were Teachers, Nurses, Mothers, and Musicians. I don't remember any one of my friend's saying that they wanted to be a Police Officer, Air plane Pilot, Scientist, or Fire Fighter ... those were what boys were encouraged to be. So, of course, I wanted to be a Teacher . . . a Special Ed Teacher. I did start my education in Early Child Development, but life happened and I started a family and didn't finish all the requirements that were needed.


2.Are you that now?  What is 1 thing you LOVE about what you do , or who you are?


 What am I? A Photographer. I am the person who goes to your child's school and takes their picture for the class picture or Year Book. I love that I still get to work with children. I love that I get to see their energy and inquisitiveness. Many ask questions about my equipment, what something is, how it works. And of, course, I LOVE that I get to see those great smiles! OK, so I have more than 1 thing I love about my job . . . don't you?


Subject:

Autumn is in her full glory in the Mid -West, USA.


Please remeber to add the Coffee Klatch Friday button to your post and LINK up!

Coffee Klatch Friday

I'm sorry that this post is a few days late, working long hours, still having a head cold and having a computer on the blink have all played their part in this post.

Tomorrow is Thursday and here is what will be on the agenda :

Getting to know you :

What did you want to be when you grew up?  Are you that now?  What is 1 thing you LOVE about what you do , or who you are?

This week's subject :

It is Autumn (at least in the U.S). The weather is changing rapidly in several parts of the country. Please share a photo or 2 of what your area of the world looks like.

Please remember to add the Coffee Klatch Friday button to your post and keep encouraging other's to join.

Have a great week!~Vicki~

COFFEE KLATCH FRIDAY

Welcome to the first COFFEE KLATCH FRIDAY!
                                                                       ~The Goal ~ 

To have a community of bloggers that are friends, that can come together once a week with ideas and support for one another. We all blog for different reasons. For some, it is to be heard, for some it is to share, and for some it may be acknowledgement. After all, many blogs are just your thoughts, feelings, and experiences ... that you share  ... and here it is easier. 

                                                                  ~The Format~

Each Sunday night I will post a couple of "get to know you" questions. After all, we look forward to having coffee with our best friends more than anyone else. 

I will also post a subject for that week, which could take any form. It could be a recipe, a craft, a tradition, a photograph ( I am a photographer), or just your thoughts on a subject. The reason to post on Sunday. I want to give you time to think about what you want to share. Many times I want to post on a meme and don't really have the time to say what I want ... the result... I don't post.

So, please join me! 

                                           This weeks questions:

(The first is not really a question, but a request)

Please tells us a little about your self ~ where you live, about your family, about your job, what you enjoying doing ... share what your best friend might know about you.

THEN

                      1. What is one thing you enjoy about where you live?

      2. What is one thing that you don't enjoy about where you live?

This week's subject:

Please share a recipe that you would bring to a COFFEE KLATCH at a friend's house.

Please remember to grab the COFFEE KLATCH FRIDAY button!

If you don't already know, My name is Vicki. I live in the Northern , Mid-Western part of the U.S., also known as the Great Lakes Region. I live between a medium size city and a medium size town ... kind of out in the country.  I have lived here for 7 years.  Before that I live outside a Major city in an area 125 miles south of where I live now.  My husband and I met when we were Senior's in high school. We have been married for 33 years and have 3 grown children. Our youngest, who will be 20 next month , moved into her own duplex  (renting with friends) last week-end. So, I guess that means we are "empty nester's" now,  The only one left at home is our 13 year old Rottweiler/ German Shepard, Tillie.I have worked for a Nationally known Photography Company or over 4 years. I am a School Photographer. Besides photography, I enjoy, cooking, traveling and life!
1. What is one thing you enjoy about where you live?
I love all the wildlife that we see on a daily basis. We have Deer and Wild Turkey going through our yard daily. On occasion,  we see Red Fox , Coyotes, Eagles, Owls, and Hawks. Of course we have plenty of squirrels, rabbits, and birds.

2. What is one thing that you don't enjoy about where you live?
We live in a small community. I miss the variety of shopping and restaurants  that we had when we live in a larger community. Here, if something you want goes on sale, you better get to the store and get it ... cuz it won't be there for long.
RECIPE:HASH BROWN CHEESY POTATOES
1- LG. BAG FROZEN HASH BROWNS1/4 C. DICED ONION1 tsp salt1 tsp pepper2 tsp garlic powder2- 8oz. cans of Cream of Chicken soup1- 16 oz. tub Sour Cream1 stick of butter (8 TBS), melted4 C. Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Mix the first 8 ingredients together in a bowl.Add 2 c. of Shredded Cheese, mix well.Spoon into a well greased baking dish.Top with remaining cheese and bake at 350 until cheese is golden and bubbly, about 40 minutes.