This Past Week At My House....

November certainly has not been a banner month for me to write my blog. I last posted on November 9th, and life never stopped moving till now. Most of the month was wretchedly emotional, as my husband's brother, who was 49 years old, died suddenly on November 10th. He was 49 years old. I'm thankful we serve a God who comforts the grieving and heavy hearted.

Robert at his high school graduation (My husband Bill is on the left).



A few days after the funeral, we went to Myrtle Beach for Thanksgiving. I know that last year when we went, I didn't care for it at all. This year it was exactly what both Bill and I needed.

The weather was gorgeous the entire time we were there. Getting away was the perfect salve for a hurting heart and spirit.





My sister Kelley and her husband and son also joined us there this year. They arrived in their new Class A....



They invited us to join them for a Thanksgiving breakfast in their new RV.



And we invited them to join us for Chinese turkey....



When we got back home, I put up the Christmas tree. I haven't had much motivation to do any further decorating, but I'm sure I'll get there with a little Christmas music and eggnog.

I'm not one who usually searches out memorial objects for my Christmas tree. But I do have a couple of things on my tree that have a symbolic meaning.

The Tin Man on the left has been on my tree for years. He represents my father, who called himself The Tin Man while he was in the hospital waiting for a heart transplant. My husband gave me the golden retriever angel dog the year I lost my beloved Sandy to cancer. Lastly, while cleaning out Robert's place, we found this ornament of Captain Kirk. Robert had been a seasoned Trekkie since childhood, so this will always remind us of him.



It is Grand Illumination in Williamsburg, Virginia, this weekend. I just might be found walking the streets of the old colonial town looking for some Christmas inspiration.....

Have a great week!

Blender Pancakes

Monday was Bill's birthday. I decided to make whole wheat blender pancakes for him. He's been on the Adkins diet for close to four years, so he really limits his intake of carbs. However, in moderation, he loves these pancakes, topped with a sugar-free syrup.

The recipe comes from "Set for Life," my go to cookbook for alot of things. This recipe is found on page 71.

Blender Pancakes

1 1/4 cups of water
1 cup of whole wheat berries (can find at Whole Foods or local organic grocery aisle)
1/4 cup nonfat dry milk (optional)
1 egg
2 tablespoons margarine or oil
1 tablespoon sugar or honey (must admit I use more...like a sweeter pancake)
1/4-1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 tablespoon of fresh baking powder

In the blender, mix water, wheat berries, and dry milk on high for 3 minutes.



Add egg, margarine, honey, and salt. Blend for 20 seconds.



Add baking powder. Pulse three times, just enough to mix. Mixture should foam up and get very light. It will really bubble and rise up the blender jar during this time. Sometimes I lightly stir the baking powder in, then pulse three times. I will sometimes add chopped apple and cinnamon at this stage for a delicious change.



Cook immediately on a non-stick hot griddle.

These make very light and fluffy pancakes, with a fresh, nutty flavor. Very filling and substantial. You can top with syrup or your favorite fruit.



For a man who generally eats a piece of toast for breakfast, he thought he was treated like a King with this breakfast. May I add he had to teach that morning so I had to get up at the crack of dawn like a farm wife to cook for him. So double kudos for me.

Whoever said, "A way to a man's heart is through his stomach," (probably a man) knew what they were talking about. Nothing says "I love and care for you" like a good meal. Whether a special breakfast, lunch, or their favorite dinner, men just feel cared for when you take the time to make a special meal.