Happy Holidays 2020

The Red Rose

This red rose from the back garden is stunning, so very fragrant and lovely. Today is another sunny, crisp day. I plan to walk and get on with the day. The garden in the fall is beautiful. Thinking about family and friends this season. Best wishes to all.

11/29/2020 7:29 am There is a perfect red rose outside the Family room. It is beautiful. Last week quiet and somewhat eventful. I cooked my first 14.5 lb. turkey. Terri, next door, coached and mentored. It turned out great. Lots of leftovers. Two bags in freezer and 1 bag of bits in fridge for sandwiches. Birthday on Tuesday. Thursday, Thanksgiving. Alison and Austin went to Uncle Mark's. On Friday, all went to Austin's parents. They are a great family. Trent, Amanda and Elson were down from Maryland. To think, last year, we were all in Kauai. This year with the virus, it is different, quiet, masks, etc. Sloane came over and brought me pizza and salad for a birthday lunch. She is a wonderful person, has a huge heart and is a dear friend. Yesterday, which was Saturday, I handed out wafers at church for virtual service today at 10 a. Today, walk, shop for salmon at Safeway. Kay and Reiner come home from vacation soon. Seems like they have been away forever. Got the T-Fal out on the counter to make meals. First will be steak, baked potato and mushrooms. Dixon virtual Christmas is on December 12. I am organizing a church retreat for next Fall in the Sierra. The weather is perfect, blue sky, sunny. Thank you dear God for my blessings.

Living through August 2020

What a year 2020 is, with Covid 19 also known as the virus and the wild fires happening in Northern California. Over 500,000 acres have burned in several counties: Yolo, Napa, Sonoma, Santa Cruz, San Mateo and Santa Clara. The smoke is thick. Life if quiet for me. I am healthy and strong, thanks to my friend, Kay, I work out with Trainer, Jamee, twice a week and with Kay, three times a week. I've had fun and long conversations with Alison last weekend. They got new bikes and went bike riding for 10 miles in Peachtree City. Alison is happy, loves her job and her relationships with Austin, his family and co-workers. I love my daughter, Alison, so much, she is such a joy. She has an ideal situation, her house, a fantastic job with great pay, animals,a great boss in Audrey, I am so proud of her.

😊 Happy

Life is good, garden beautiful and a joy to take care of. Grateful to Alison and Austin for helping me get it to this point. The twins, Juliana and Jeneah were born on June 19 to nephew Jeff and Monique. They now have 5 kids. Happy that Alison is here until July 11, it is a joy and pleasure having her stay with me since the beginning of May. Yesterday was Father's Day, paying tribute to Father's no longer physically with us and those in our lives. All had a wonderful day.
Indoor orchids are doing very well too.

Gratitude

Sitting here with the animals, it is 7:30 am. Sheltering in place since March 13. The Global Coronavirus pandemic is making us all protect ourselves. We can only go grocery shopping and wear masks and gloves. Most employees are working from home like Alison others have been laid off like Austin. My friend Connie moved on Friday, I will miss her. My other friend and neighbor, Kay, comes over and uses my gym. The garden is beautiful. I am going to do some rearranging of the 🌹. It will make it easier to manage the roses. Sitting with the animals is my form of meditation and walking 🚶 is so therapeutic too. I am grateful for my family, friends, health and well being. I am also grateful for technology like FaceTime. Had a really nice session with Alison and Austin, yesterday.

Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy

An easy-to-make classic featuring tasty hamburger ‘steaks’ smothered in gravy and onions. Traditionally served with hot white rice or potatoes, it’s a great way to dress up a pound of ground beef and you probably have all the ingredients on hand!
Ingredients
1 Pound Ground Beef
1 Egg
1/4 Cup Bread Crumbs
1/8 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
1/2 Teaspoon Seasoned Salt
1/2 Teaspoon Onion Powder
1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 Teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil
1 Cup Thinly Sliced Onion
2 Tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
1 Cup Beef Broth
1 Tablespoon Cooking Sherry
1/2 Teaspoon Seasoned Salt


Directions
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, pepper, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Form into 8 balls, and flatten into patties.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the patties and onion in the oil until patties are nicely browned, about 4 minutes per side. Remove the beef patties to a plate, and keep warm.
Sprinkle flour over the onions and drippings in the skillet. Stir in flour with a fork, scraping bits of beef off of the bottom as you stir. Gradually mix in the beef broth and sherry. Season with seasoned salt. Simmer and stir over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, until the gravy thickens. Turn heat to low, return patties to the gravy, cover, and simmer for another 15 minutes.

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Daylight Savings Time 2020

It is just after 7 am on Sunday, March 8, 2020, Spring forward-done. I am in my happy 😊 place, the sunroom, on the recliner, under the blanket with the animals. It rained yesterday and this morning, a good rain. We did not have any rain in February. The garden looks really good, nourished! Spring is right around the corner. Feeling love and peace ✌️ today and always.

March 2020

Pinch punch 1st day of the month. Yesterday, the Women's retreat at Mercy Center in Auburn was good. It was about Balance. Went with Jeanne and Dina. There were about 40 there. I did not know that Ginny Deering is Joan Howe's mom. I love St. Augustine's. Praying for all in need in the parish. After the retreat, the three of us went to Happy Hour at Citizen Vine. It was fun and got crowded. Now sitting with my lovely animals in my happy place called home.
Millie and I saw Mom in San Jose last Thursday and Friday. I am so happy that we did. I so appreciate her house, my family home, Mom and Dad made it a great place, house and space perfect, yard perfect. I could feel Dad's presence there with me in spirit. Sheila came over for a visit too. Alison and Austin went to Maryland for a baby shower for Amanda this weekend.