Carolina Style Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken

Several years ago, business took me to North and South Carolina quite frequently.Ā  As in about once or twice a month.Ā  And that usually meant a stop for Carolina BBQ somewhere.Ā  It didnā€™t really matter where, because itā€™s all so good.Ā  Tangy and vinegary and not too sweet. But.  Did you catch the part about […]

Promotion to Brigadier General

We were blessed last week to attend the ceremonies and festivities around our DF Leonā€™s promotion to Brigadier General. You might remember I shared a recent trip to Fort Smith, Arkansas and a tour of their Air Force facilities.Ā  Our friend the Colonel who hosted us is now the General and we could not be […]

Refreshing Summer Salads

Are you one who loses your appetite during hot weather?  Mmm, me neither.   Iā€™m as voracious an eater as ever.  But, a refreshing summer salad makes for a perfect evening meal. And if you don’t have much of an appetite, it’s perfect. Here are a couple salads I made this week. Trader Joeā€™s Mediterranean Style […]

Homemade Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Like many others, Iā€™m really trying to limit my sugar intake.  But sometimes, I need just a little something.  With chocolate in it.  That will freeze nicely so I donā€™t eat a whole batch. And, for the hub, itā€™s nice if itā€™s gluten free. This recipe calls for 8 ingredients and even I could scrounge that […]

Homemade Fudgesicle-Inspired Ice Pops and Orange Creamsicles

Is it over 100 degrees where you are right now?  Yep, here too. Is it just my crazy logic or do you believe, too, that we deserve a cold sweet extravagance for putting up with it? Last year I shared the recipe for homemade strawberry lemonade popsicles and Iā€™m up for the challenge of new […]

Semi Homemade Tacos

Do you remember the cooking show with adorable Sandra Lee called Semi Homemade or something like that?Ā  She always had a tablescape theme and a cocktail to match.Ā  Who wouldnā€™t love that? In keeping with her theory of semi-homemade, I want to share what taco night looks like around here. Our tacos are partially fresh […]

Live Oaks and More Texas Beauty

We recently drove through the University of Wyoming campus in Laramie (home of the Cowboys and NOW Cowgirls, too) and it is large with lovely grounds.Ā  And then.Ā  T This week I have been staying next to Rice University in Houston.Ā  And oh, be still my heart.Ā  Live oaks everywhere. In fact, Rice is recognized […]

Summer Back Yard Tidy Up

When I picture my perfect vacation day at home it starts with yoga stretches, coffee on the patio, maybe a little run at the park and the rest of the day immersed in a book.  Maybe at the pool. But reality has a way of sneaking into my plans and twisting them all around.  Dang […]

Moving Day

Big Red got loaded up with boxes as John and I flexed our muscles.  I know, thatā€™s a bit misleading.  Weā€™re not moving.  Praise the Lord.  DF Evonā€™s daughter Jessy is though. And we assisted a tiny bit. It is so exciting that she has a new and beautiful place and is entering her next […]

Simple Homemade Lemon Vinaigrette

As salad greens go, arugula keeps a long time, has a nice tangy flavor and is usually in my fridge.Ā  A simple lemon vinaigrette makes the best dressing for the peppery leaf.Ā  Why is that word so dang hard to spell? Homemade dressing is so easy to make and easy to modify to your taste. […]