The K-List

 I think I’ve just stumbled upon a new post title concept.  Finding appropriate titles can be challenging, especially those that reach all over the place.   From here on, when you see the title “The K-List”,  it will represent one of those ramblers, the kind of post that covers a bunch of stuff, the clutter that currently occupies my thoughts, and  I promise at least one share of something cool I’ve also stumbled upon while out and about or cruising the ‘net.   So perhaps when you see The K-List… grab a cup of coffee or tea if you’re so inclined to join me as I unload all the “stuff” here with you.

   My husband and I embarked on a weight loss journey on January 1st of this year –  We started with the nutrisystem plan and he stuck with it.  I did not, because -all that processed food, loaded with gluten.  I am not a celiac, but I have already proven to myself by trial and ERROR that gluten is not my best friend.  When I eat it, as I occasionally still do because  Cupcakes! Pizza! Fresh baked Bread!… I feel like crap the next day.   Just really blah and the fibromyalgia flares.  So that program did not work for me.   I have lost -0- pounds since we began our quest – still have 15 to lose.   M, however… has lost almost 60 pounds.  Yes 60.   He’s feeling fabulous, looks so much better, more comfortable in everything he does, I’m so very proud of him for his stick-to-it ability.   I need to find some of that for myself.

Yesterday, out in the garden….  which looks quite pathetic lately due to all the rain.

 My relationship with food is tricky.  I LOVE FOOD – so many kinds of it.  I don’t smoke and I don’t drink much.  My go-to for comfort, for anxiety relief, for just pure enjoyment.. is good food.   I love making good food for my people.  Years ago that wasn’t an issue but now?…. because MENOPAUSE… I’ve got this darn spare tire around my middle and it feels gross.

  There are so many worse things in life to be upset about though, so I will continue with my good intentions and the exercise I do manage to accomplish, and perhaps find a little more resolve to obtain my weight loss and better health goals.

 We’ve been making frequent trips to the cottage in between the raindrops –  Met with some of our new neighbors down there, what a lovely group of people.  Father Jim lives nextdoor, and just his title made me a little nervous at first, because we all know I’m not particularly religious.  We’ve come to know he is a very down to earth, warm, funny person, a wonderful neighbor, and his father is a real hoot!   The cottages are fairly close together.  We’re discovering residents for the most part are very friendly and like to socialize.  Others prefer to keep to themselves, and that wish is respected.

 When I visit Stella alone to mow the lawn or vacuum the cottage or  water the plants (not necessary lately!!)  I often bring Frasier  and we walk the loop around the “island”.  He has a bed and toys and bowls in the kitchen.  He loves these trips, it’s almost as if I have a small child in tow again.   * Ask me how much I look forward to having grandchildren to dote on some day.  ** No pressure on my children!! OK maybe a little. ***But not yet!  When you’re ready.  Love you! (I can see the eye rolls  from here)

*Frasier could use a little weight loss too.  I keep saying he’s just fluffy, not fat.

    Someone left an anonymous comment after my last post – it read simply  “BooHoo”.    My initial reaction was insult.  But, you know… this is so true for all of us.  Someone else’s issues aren’t my burden.  When I read a comment like that I feel sorry for the person who  left it…. a someone who can’t appreciate people who care about all of us. 
   
    I’m angry with the current administration because I feel we aren’t being told truths, the little guy is being walked all over, rights are being taken away,  we’re going backwards regarding the environment, equal rights, tolerance, respect.   The lies and bad behavior aren’t just my opinion, they are laid out before all of us coming right from the source.   I’m not crying about it, I’m voicing my opinion, and contributing where I think it will help make a difference.  My intentions and actions are always in favor of a better society for all of us.  I am not -of a party-.  My “party” didn’t lose. Our society is losing, daily, lately.  

      Sharing today  a recipe I found in Southern Livings new Best Drives and Dives publication…

  Missouri’s Pint Size Bakery Oatmeal Creme cookie recipe.  I plan to make this for the next family picnic ….  it is suggested that they be kept in the fridge until served.

Chewy Oatmeal Cookies
Cookies
1 c unsalted butter, softened
1 c firmly packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tbs light molasses
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
2 large eggs
2 c unbleached all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
2 1/4 c uncooked regular oats
Parchment  paper

Marshmallow Fluff Buttercream
1 c unsalted butter, softened
1/2 c powdered sugar
1/8 tsp salt
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1 7 oz jar marshmallow fluff

1. Prepare cookies:  Preheat oven –  350 degrees.  Beat first 6 ingredients at medium speed with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs, beating until blended. Combine flour, soda, and cinnamon. add to butter mixture, beating at low speed just until blended. Stir in oats.

2. Using a 1 oz scoop, scoop dough, 3 inches apart, onto parchment paper lined  baking sheets.  Chill 20 minutes or until firm.

3. Bake at 350 for 10 to 12 minutes or until a medium golden brown with soft centers.  Cool on pans 5 minutes. Transfer cookies to wire racks; cool completely.

4. Prepare Marshmallow Fluff Buttercream.  When cookies are cool, beat first 4 ingredients until creamy and smooth. Gradually add marshmallow fluff, beating just until blended. Spon about 2 tbs buttercream onto bottoms of 20 cookies. Top with remaining 20 cookies.

Makes 20 cookie sandwiches.

  After mucking stalls this morning and on my way back from the manure dump, I passed one of our favorite spots on the farm to relax and enjoy the summer breezes… the hammocks on the hill.    While it’s drizzly this morning yet again and there’s more rain  in the forecast, I’m reminded there are always, always things to be grateful for.  In this picture, the hay is tall and thick, the grass is green, and the hammocks are there to enjoy in the summer days to come.

 *Recharge your soul with positive thinking. Start your day by affirming that life is good*

Till soon, friends –