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Sunday, March 13, 2016

Reminder...

My husband gently reminded me this morning that I am a blogger.  I took it as a subtle hint that I should post an update, so here it goes…

March 4th was my last day in the office.


It didn’t really seem that strange for me, maybe because I was ready.  I was so busy right up to the end, mostly getting things packed and trying to do a few things for my boss before we left.

There were several farewell events, lunches, gatherings.  I have some very generous friends and co-workers. 




One of the gifts was a basket containing a couple of bottles of wine and two cruise gift certificates.  I put those to good use, my husband and I booked a 10-night southern Caribbean cruise.  We depart very soon J

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My daughter came home on the 3rd and stayed until today.  It was her spring break from college.  We kept busy all week.

Her first request was that I bake her Miss Lou’s pound cake.  Click here for the recipe.


We tried a “new to us” Hibachi restaurant.


We ate ice cream.


I am trying to get back into the swing of cooking again.  I brought out the slow cooker one day and made pulled pork for sandwiches (another of my daughter's favorites). I can’t believe I only took a before picture.  It didn’t last long once my husband came home from work.


I also used the slow cooker to make a lemon poppy seed cake.  That was a new one for me.  I found the recipe in the Spring 2016 edition of Better Homes and Gardens Slow Cooker magazine.

 
 

It actually tasted pretty good.  Next time I will add more lemon zest and make a lemon flavored icing rather than the vanilla as suggested in the recipe.

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I started walking / running 3 miles every weekday morning.  You can’t tell from the cooking and baking but, for the most part, I have been eating and drinking pretty healthy. 


Once we return from the cruise, I will start working out with a trainer until I figure out what I am doing.

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This is the finished block for my friend’s memory quilt that I told you about in my last post.  I sent him a picture and he asked me to machine embroider his Dad’s name in the sand.  Sorry for the poor photo, the thread matched the denim perfectly. Maybe clicking the photo will enlarge it so you can get a better idea.


His mom really liked the block... I was so relieved!

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Nothing happened on the sewing front but I am taking classes at my LQS two days this week. Hope to share before I get too busy shopping and packing for the trip.

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You may notice a new button on my sidebar for Hands 2 Help 2016. Please visit Sarah at Confessions of a Fabric Addict to learn more and consider signing up.  This will be my second year participating and I look forward to it.



Y’all have a blessed week J

15 comments:

Linda H said...

Sounds like lots of great things happening behind your screen door! Have lots of fun in your cruise!

Vicky Hunt said...

Yay on the cruise!! What a wonderful trip that will be and 10 days! I can;t wait to hear about it. It sounds like you had a wonderful time with your daughter too. Way to go on the walking/running and eating right. The hubby and I are going to try to get healthier beginning this week. We have indulged entirely too much in the last couple week and just in general. I am ready for a change. Have a great week and enjoy the cruise!!

Hugs, Vicky

Gene Black said...

Congrats on "the last day." I remember mine well as it was only around 14 months ago.
I hope you enjoy your cruise. I have enjoyed the cruises I have been on. Just remember that attitude makes all the difference. :-)

Kim said...

Looks like a lot of fun things going on at your place. My friends take a cruise every year and always enjoyed it so I know you are going to have a blast on your cruise.

Kris said...

Congratulations on your retirement! And a cruise! Wow, what a great gift! Love the block! Yummy food!
Nice to see your post!
xo Kris

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

My last day, no, the FIRST day of retirement was one of my best days ever!! It was nice to be recognized with gifts and the farewell tribute, but the next day was the best!! I know you will enjoy the cruise. And good idea to take lessons! I always have an excuse for not doing that!!
xx, Carol

moosecraft said...

Looks to me like it's all GOOD! :-) Wishing you a happy retirement and enjoy that cruise! I'm thinking that all of us that read your blog (that are awake getting ready for work this morning) are sure very envious of you!!! lol! :-)

Angie said...

Sounds like many adventures are in store - have fun! Will definitely give the pound cake recipe a try as I love pound cake!

Aunt 'Reen said...

Congratulations on your new "change of view" (grin)
Love that Memory block you made, it's really beautiful.
The Cruise sounds wonderful... have an amazing time!

allthingzsewn said...

It's so good to see you again. Congratulation girl. Don't try and do everything at once now. Remember now you have time. Hope to see you more often.
Hugs
Tonia

Dogwood Lane Rambles said...

The new job adventure begins and what a great way to kick it off - with a cruise. Toes in the sand I hope and umbrella drinks for sure. Sip one for me!

Karen said...

Cruise tickets for a gift! What a wonderful surprise. Should be a memorable trip.

I have never heard of making a cake in a crock pot. I would be afraid it would stick.

andsewon said...

Congratulations! I am sure you all will enjoy that 10 day cruise too. Lovely memory block. Staying busy doing what you want to do can be fun but DH and I also enjoy the lazy mornings and days too. no getting up having to be anywhere!
Wishing you joy and fun each day!
Lola

Debbie Harris said...

I thought it was about time I came for a visit, dear friend, and wow, to my surprise much has been taking place in your life.
What a beautiful gift to receive from your co workers, enjoy yourselves!
Congratulations on your walking and running, that's wonderful! You will enjoy the changes and feel great.
The block you made is amazing.

Have a beautiful and blessed day~~
Debbie

Lara B. said...

What a wonderful gift from your office friends Jeanna! If you enjoy the cruise even half as much as you seem to be enjoying your time at home, it will be a great experience! Wow, can you pack a lot in!

Love the memory block you made. It's so beautiful and so meaningful.