Thursday, March 06, 2008

Finally... a day at home

I am so happy to be able to stay at home all day! I can slowly go about the household duties that need attention, not to mention I had time for a second cup of coffee.

For all mothers of preschoolers, yes... someday in your life... you will be able to sip coffee sitting down... two cups! :)

I've been spending way too much of my food budget on eating out. Even fast food is getting more expensive (and isn't all that good for you). Yesterday I was able to do a very quick assembling of cole slaw (easy when you start with the packaged slaw ingredients already shredded), corn from the freezer, and broiled hot dogs (at least on whole wheat hot dog buns). We rarely have hot dogs except when we grill "burgers and dogs" during the summer. But they were great for a change, as well as being a taste (literally) of warmer weather to come.

I did have time to make Tulip Time Brownies (aka: Texas Sheet Cake) and then hide the pan in the cold garage to surprise the guys with a favorite dessert. We call them Tulip Time Brownies since that was the name of the original recipe that was printed out for all of us who volunteered to bake them during Tulip Time, when we lived in Holland (Michigan). Once you have the ingredients, this is a very quick "cake" to bake.

One of the books I found at the Goodwill near the college was Beni's Family Cookbook For the Jewish Holidays. This is the cutest book! I believe even Christian children enjoy learning about the Jewish Holidays (since they are part of the Bible) and the recipes in this book will be fun to make. I've included an Amazon link since they have many used copies available for a very inexpensive amount.

This book has the cutest illustrations. This is part of a series of books for Jewish children about Beni. It's too bad Sheila (my Jewish friend) doesn't have grandchildren, yet. Hmmm... I wonder if there is such a thing as a Grammie hope chest?

Yesterday afternoon was spent waiting for my husband at the Veteran's Administration clinic (another afternoon from home which wasn't planned). Since he was in the doctor's office for two hours, I had time to read most of the book I'd taken with me. I had picked up A View from the Porch Swing by Becky Freeman on the way out the door, one of my book sale purchases.

I found it to be a delightful book. It was "just right" for reading in a waiting room... simple enough to read with many distractions around me... profound enough to provide spiritual food to a soul running on empty.

This book is ten years old so there are plenty of inexpensive copies online. I truly enjoyed it and as I said... there is some deep spiritual food mixed in with that humor. Good stuff...

Now that I'm able to post (almost) daily again, I should mention that you can comment on any existing posts. I have the comments set up to come to me at the Coffee Tea Books & Me e-mail address. I received comments last week from three different readers who were sent to old posts via Google.

I have not had a chance to return any e-mails as I had hoped. Do be patient with me. I love to receive comments and e-mails... we really do read (and blog) to know we are not alone. :)

8 comments:

Thickethouse.wordpress said...

Dear Brenda, It's so nice to be able to read your blog more often now that your computer is fixed. I am thawing chicken breasts today to make the Reuben chicken on your recipe blog. I think I'll really love it. We are inundated with ice and promised a huge storm tomorrow. I'm planning a quiet weekend mostly at home!

Vee said...

Following your example, I need to tuck a book of essays or devotions into my purse. I get caught so often with nothig to read.

Heather Anne said...

Thank you for the recommended reading! I'm going to be looking for Beni's Family Cookbook - our children are nuts about Israel and desperate to go for a visit to the Holy Lands. They want to learn more about Jewish Feast Days and are anxious to celebrate the Passover again this year. I think they have such a heart for the lands where Jesus walked because Mrs. Kitty Griffiths 'A Visit With Mrs.G' tapes have fired their imaginations and made the Bible come to life for them! If you ever get your hands on her tapes grab them for your grandchildren - they will love them!!! My parents did the tape of the month club for the children and when the last tape came it was a day of mourning!

Anonymous said...

Hi Brenda,
Welcome back. Thanks for visiting us. Miss Candi said tell you hello.I love your post.
Hugs,
Elizabeth

Anonymous said...

A full day at home is always such a blessing. I hope yours was filled with good things!

Anonymous said...

Brenda! I did not realize we had so much in common...
The VA is a GREAT place to catch up on reading , isn't it?
:)
I am giving you an award today..

*carrie* said...

Brenda,

You lived in Holland?! I love small world stuff. My husband grew up in GR, and we have dear friends in Holland. We live in another Dutch area (which I won't name here), so I smiled when I saw "Tulip Time."

Anonymous said...

Blogger seems to be acting up so I'll try to post this again.

Thank you for the Tulip Time Brownie recipe. I also like your attitude about the cookbook for Jewish holidays. We should all be willing to respect and learn about religions that are not our own.