Potato Harvest from Fall 2011

Here is the fruits of our Summer 2011 potato bucket!! We harvested them at the end of October.


Not too bad, ha ha, but at least we got something!! I rather doubt they got enough water and were totally shaded by the tomatoes.


We didn't do anything with them after I dropped in the starts other than toss some grass, garden dirt over the tops of the growing plant.

So I guess the turnout isn't too bad. LOL......

Next year............. well not sure yet...........

Perfect Changeable Present

This was a quick but darling present.

1 Thrifted metal frame with glass- a wonderful find.
some dry erase markers or pens.
1 make up applicator wedge.
optional- beaded dragonfly.
patterned paper of choice for background.

This project cost only '1 current out of pocket dollar' for the frame, everything else was on hand at home.

All we did was to cut the paper to fit in the frame. Affix the dragonfly on the frame and proceed to write our first message.  Now every time I visit my parents, I change the message. I am having fun doing this and I hope they are enjoying it too.

Chicken Tetrazini

Chicken Tetrazini - really yummy at least my family believes it is.

We make this using fettuccine, spaghetti or even egg noodles- usually we use whatever we have on hand, even macaroni.

12-16 oz pasta or noodles- pre-cooked according to package to al-dente.

3 cups or so cheese, grated- we usually use a mixture of cheddar and montery jack, or whatever we have on hand.

2 Tbsp cornstarch     MIXED INTO

2 cups liquid = Mushroom juice plus chicken broth to equal 2 cups

1/2 cup diced onion, sauted.

1- 4 oz can mushroom pieces

2 cups milk

3 cups diced cooked chicken or turkey

optional- sliced almonds or cashew pieces

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Prepare a 9x13 pan with nonstick spray. Pour mixture into pan and bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes. Don't worry if mixture seems runny, it will thicken up during the baking time.

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I use the following version when I have MSG Free cans of soup on hand-

Chicken Tetrazini - 


12-16 oz pasta or noodles- pre-cooked according to package to al-dente.
3 cups or so cheese- we usually use a mixture of cheddar and montery jack, or whatever we have on hand.
1/2 cup diced onion, sauted.
1 can cream of mushroom soup- we use homemade*
1 can cream of chicken soup- we use homemade**
10 oz milk
3 cups diced cooked chicken or turkey
optional- sliced almonds or cashew pieces


Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Prepare a 9x13 pan with nonstick spray. Pour mixture into pan and bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes. 


*Cream of Mushroom Soup Homemade-
1 - 4 oz can of mushrooms, juice drained into a measuring cup
1 cup total broth and mushroom juice (just add broth to mushroom juice to equal 1 cup liquid)
1/2 cup fine diced onion ( I use some pulverized dried onions, but only about a Tablespoon)
1/2 cup milk
1 Tablespoon cornstarch
Salt & Pepper to taste


Mix cornstarch into milk or broth. Put all other ingredients into a saucepan over medium heat and stir until combined. Add cornstarch mixture, cook and stir until thickened. Season to your taste. Use in place of one can of Cream of Mushroom Soup.


**Cream of Chicken Soup - Homemade
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup fine diced onions
1/2 cup milk
1 Tablespoon cornstarch
Salt & Pepper to taste.


Mix cornstarch into milk or broth. Put all other ingredients into a saucepan over medium heat and stir until combined. Add cornstarch mixture, cook and stir until thickened. Season to your taste. Use in place of one can of Cream of Chicken Soup.
1- 4 oz can sliced mushrooms

OK- don't mind the glare or whatever in the mirror. I just need to document my new hair color and cut. I love it! A perm would make it all non-fuss, but it is quite easily done via rollers or flat iron.

October 12, 2011

for some reason I can't get this to remain rotated!