Chicken N Dumplings

I can think of many things I like about fall but I think the one thing I love the most is the cooking.  The smells of spices and pumpkin, apples, and the many comfort foods that I cook only when it turns cool.

The beginning of last week it was 101 degrees out and by the end of the week we had highs in the 60s.  I love the cooler temps but the weather liked playing tricks on me.  At first I was worn out because of the heat at work.  I didn't even want to eat anything.  By the end of the week I knew I wanted comfort food and chicken soup sounded great!  I wanted to try something new so Chicken N Dumplings it would be.

I never go by a true recipe unless I am baking.  I looked at several recipes online and on YT and also used my own Chicken Noodle Soup as a guideline.  Here is the best I can do with writing down my recipe.

 

Chicken N Dumplings
4 or 5 stalks of celery chopped
1 large onion chopped
6 large carrots, sliced
4 chicken breasts, uncooked
Chicken broth or water maybe 5 cups?
1 tbsp parsley fresh or dried
salt and pepper to taste

Add all ingredients to a crock pot and cook on low about 4 hours or until chicken falls apart.  Shred chicken. I then transferred the soup to a pot and bring it to a boil.  I added another cup of water to the soup.  Drop the dumplings on top of the soup.  Cover the pot and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until the dumplings are done.  You will know the dumplings are done but inserting a toothpick in them and they come out clean.

Dumplings
2 cups flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1 to 2 tbsp dried parsley flakes
6 tsp softened salted butter
1 cup to 1/2 cup buttermilk

Cut softened butter in flour and baking powder and parsley.  Then add 1 cup of the buttermilk and mix together.  You may need to add up to another 1/2 cup of the buttermilk.  The mixture should be wet but not to wet.


I asked my mom how to make dumplings because I remember her making them when I was a kid.  She always made hers with beef stew.  She told me that she made dumplings because she never could make good biscuits, which was true.  She tried making biscuits and they were ok but nothing to brag about.  My grandma, mom's mom, made really good biscuits but couldn't make dumplings.  I am a lot like Grandma Green so I thought maybe because I can make really good biscuits I couldn't make dumplings.  I guess I was blessed with making both really good.  Something I can be proud of.  I will be making more dumplings from now on.

A Wonderful Day!

Before the day slips away I wanted to write about how perfect this day was for me.  The day isn't over, I still have my class at the local YMCA to go to still.  I love going to Aqua Zumba, and this is coming from a gal that doesn't really like the water!

Normally on a Thursday I would go to work and do the same thing I do everyday at work.  This Thursday I decided to take the day off.  Normally I save my vacation days for the Pagan holidays.  Mabon is coming up in a few short weeks but it falls on the weekend and since I have all weekends off I have that day to spend some other way.  I recently joined a group called 4 on Forty and they had a live chat today at noon my time.  This was the first one and I really wanted to hear what they had to say on turning forty.  I get to that in a bit.

During the week I wake up at 6am.  I am not a morning person so getting up at that time is sometime a pain in the butt.  This morning I slept in....till 8am!  I know it was only two hours but those two hours felt great!  I got up and got some coffee, something I haven't had in a couple weeks.  It turned very hot the past couple weeks and I just haven't felt like coffee.  But this morning I woke up to it being in the 60s!  Brrrrrr  Nothing better then an iced coffee on a morning like this one.

My cat has been begging for the past couple days to be let outside and he finally got to go out.  With the temps being in the 90s and even 101 degrees on Monday, I just didn't want to spend anymore time then I had to outside.  Albert normally runs all over the yard and I have to watch where he goes since I do live on the highway.  He loved it and spent about 45 minutes enjoying the cool weather.  I spent that time in a hoodie drinking my coffee and catching up with all the news that happened overnight and cant forget facebook.  lol

Then for some reason I felt like I needed to clean my bedroom.  Boy did I clean!  I ended up throwing out 3 garbage sacks full of junk.  I also sorted some of my clothes and threw away the ones that had holes or stains or things that I knew people weren't able to wear again.  That felt really good to do that.  Why I keep on to shorts that have holes in the crotch I will never know.  That kept me busy until it was noon.

I then went to the 4 on Forty webpage to catch the google hangout.  Since it is on Youtube I decided to watch it there instead.  There were a few issues at first and then I watched the talk.  The four lady's are all wonderful people and much smarter then I am, or at least that is how I feel at times.  Its nice to know that there are women that feel like I do on turning 40.  When I was younger I thought turning 40 would be the end of the world but now I know that it is a great age to be, well I'm not there yet but in 3 years.  It was wonderful to hear them and I was sad when it ended.  I admit I was folding laundry at the same time it was going on.

After that I could feel myself getting tired.  It always seems to happen in the afternoons around 2 or 3pm.  Normally when I get off work I take and nap so it didn't surprise me any that when I sat down this afternoon I took a nap.  I remember as a child hating to take a nap but now I love it!  The only time that I don't take a nap are the days I have a class at 530.  Its a variety class so each time its different and it feels great to workout.  I sometimes think that when I get tired if I just go for a walk or the gym instead I wouldn't be so tired but that doesn't happen. 

So now here I am writing and listening to 60s music again, the same as I was listening to when I was cleaning.  I have about 3 loads of laundry to do since I am starting to change my summer clothing out to some of my winter clothing.  I am also trying to decide what to have for supper before my class at 8pm. 

What a wonderful day it has been.  Yes its nothing exciting as going somewhere fun but I really enjoyed myself.  I love days like this where I can do whatever I want and not have anyone bother me.  Plus I had the house all to myself!  This never ever happens!!!  Pure bliss.  Hope everyone had a wonderful day in whatever they did!

Trying new recipes

I posted a question today on facebook asking if you try new recipes when you have work dinners or potlucks or do you bring the same thing or couple of things each time?  The reason I asked was because today at work we had a potluck and I saw many of the same things that are always at our dinners.

Today at work we had a pre-tailgate potluck.  This coming weekend is the big Iowa/Iowa St football game.  A local tv station picks out 5 towns and goes to a different town each day of the week.  My hometown was picked and they came to town today.  There are several things going on uptown but I am staying home since its been so hot today.  In fact it got up to almost 100 degrees!  This is not weather that I am really thinking about football or tailgating food.

I decided to try something new so I went on Pinterest and typed in Tailgate recipes and found a new wrap recipe.  It sounded good and it was really easy to make.  I tasted it last night and I didn't like it at all!  I thought maybe if I tried it at lunch I would like it better but I didn't.  There were several people that did like them though so I am glad for that. 

I didn't have any to take home thank goodness but I did have more of the filling at home and I hate to waste food but I really wasn't sure what to do with it.  I talked to a friend of mine at work and asked if she wanted the filling part of the wrap and she did.  Not only will I not be wasting food now but a friend will be able to make something good for her family.  Win/win for me!

Now back to the food that was brought today, many of the items were the same as they always are and they were brought by the same people.  One of the things that was there was a crab dip that only a couple people really like.  I don't understand why some people bring the same thing that no one likes.  Funny thing about that I heard her complaining after lunch was over that she had to take food home and she didn't want to.  Well if you don't want to take anything home then either leave it at work where it will sit and get moldy in the fridge or toss it.  Or here's a better idea, make something people like!  lol

Even though I didn't like what I made having a dinner like we did is a great place to try something new.  Several people liked them and asked for the recipe.  For me I tried the recipe and didn't have to waste any food by throwing it out because I didn't like it.  I wont be making it again but I'm glad I at least tried it.

I feel a rant coming on!

Today started out like most days.  I woke up, got ready for work, got some coffee (yes I am drinking coffee again) and went to work.  The first hour was ok and then I was asked a question from someone I am training.  I answered her and told her what she needed to do.  Well Ericka, yes that is her real name because she will never read this so I don't have to worry about it.  Anyhow she went and asked someone about what I had just told Ann.  I guess Ericka didn't think I knew what I was talking about, AGAIN!  Every time I tell Ann something she questions it and then tells Ann something else.  Last week Ericka told Ann something and it was totally wrong and then I get blamed for not showing her the right way to do something.  Thank goodness Ann spoke up and said it wasn't me that told her to do what it was she did wrong.

I have been working for an office job for about a year now and I am one of two people that know more about my department then anyone else.  When others have questions or problems with something they come to either me or another gal.  At work we have what is called a menu, basically its what we can do on the computer.  I have more on my menu then most of the people in my department including Ericka.  Ericka has questioned my boss several times why I have more on my menu then what she does, that it isn't fair and she should have just as much.  My boss has told her several times that she isn't going to have the same things as my menu because she doesn't need them which is true.

I have had a feeling for a long time now that she is trying to get my job that I have.  I don't know why she thinks she can do that.  She has worked in my department for maybe 6 months and for the company for maybe 5 years.  I have been in the department for over a year and with the company for almost 15 years now.  I honestly want to bitch slap her and tell her to back off.  The only thing that she has going for her that I don't have is that her mom is friends with my manager. 

She is the laziest person I know.  She wont do anything above and beyond what she needs to do.  She wont just do something that needs done without being asked to do it and then she always bitches about it.  She is the biggest pain in the ass I know.  I felt sorry for her because she has been having stomach issues which turned out to be an ulcer and bad acid reflux.  But now I wish I wasn't so caring. 

I swear if and when the office job comes open and she gets it and not me I think I will come unglued.  I try to keep my temper every day when it comes to her but there are days like today she really bothers me.  I know everyone has to deal with at least one stupid person at work and everyone has off days, I just wish I didn't have to deal with it. 

So there is my rant, not much of one but it is what it is.  I have calmed down a lot since I got home.  It does a girl good to sit outside and enjoy the beautiful weather.  :-)

Here Comes The Sun!!

I haven't posted a blog since May and I am sorry for that.  I have been writing but I haven't posted it for many reasons.  But today since its such a wonderful morning I feel like writing and sharing a few things with everyone who wants to read this.

This summer has been wonderful!  The weather has been amazing!  In fact up until this past week we only had a few days in the 90s, most of the time we were in the 80s.  I couldn't have been happier.  Only thing better would have been if I could have opened my bedroom window at night instead of have an AC unit in it. 

The beginning of summer I could feel a change in the air but I wasn't sure what it was at first.  Once the middle of July hit I knew what it was and then by the first week in August the change hit me full force.  I wont tell you the whole story but my best friend and I are no longer best friends in my book.  She has made some choices in her life that I don't want any part of.  She has moved out of town, is getting divorced, left her kids with her soon to be ex husband, and now how a boyfriend and new friends.  Now don't judge her for what I just said, you don't know the whole story and this blog is not about her, its about me.

The beginning of the month I also turned 37.  That number really isn't that old but there were a lot of things that was going though my head about turning that age.  None of them at first was good but I think I am that way what ever my birthday comes around.  Now I am fine with that age and I am starting to embrace my age.  I joined a group that just started too that I am really looking forward to called Four on 40.  More then likely I will blog about this group later on but for now if you want to know more just let me know and I will get you information on the group.

At first I didn't know if I really wanted to welcome the change that was entering my life.  I have always hated change but I have been taking of several big changes in my life over the past couple years so why not have one more.  Change hasn't hurt me but has helped me be the person I am now.  I have switched jobs in the past year and now for the first time I think ever I enjoy going to work.  I am someone that people come to now to ask questions instead of me going to them.  I am one of the leaders at work for the first time ever. 

I finally looked at my friend moving away as a way for me to spread my wings and explore more things in life that I have always wanted to.  It never failed that if I wanted to do something she would call and want help with something.  I could never say no to her and she knew that.  I finally told her no last weekend and it felt great!  I did what I wanted. 

Music has always been big in my life and my choice in music always seemed to reflect what she wanted to listen to at the time.  I have been listening to more 60s and 70s music this past month then I have ever listened to and you know what?  I love it and I am more peaceful.  In fact I am listening to a CD called Radio Hits of the 70's.  There are a couple songs I don't like but the rest are great!  The main reason I thought of writing today was because of a song and that is why I titled this "Here Comes The Sun"  I heard that as I was sitting outside looking up into the tree nearby.  I saw a cobweb as it was reflected by the sun.  It was so pretty and I felt the need to write so I came instead and started writing this. 

Other changes in my life include taking a Aqua Zumba class.  The class started at the beginning of the month and was twice a week.  Starting next week it will be 3 times a week and I am so excited for this.  So now I will be going to the YMCA 5 days a week and working out.  I love the fact I am going there and having fun at the same time as getting a good workout.

Tonight I am doing a Glow Run/Walk.  You can either do a mile or a 5K.  Because its so hot I think I will just do the mile but I am really excited for this.  I normally wouldn't do something like this without my friend because I normally don't like to do things like this alone.  But I am branching out and going by myself.  Now there will be friends from work there but this is something I would never do so I am proud of myself for taking this step. 

I am also starting to hang out with different people then what I used to.  I have made several new friends in the past few weeks.  One of them my exbff didn't like and had always heard bad things about.  I went there not knowing what to expect and had a great time.  She was nice and nothing what I had heard.  That proved to me that I shouldn't believe anything she said and I need to make my own decisions more.

Tomorrow starts a new month and I am excited for it.  Bring on more changes and improvements to my life, I am ready!!

It's been one year!!

Today it is one year since I have changed jobs.  I still work for the same company I have for 14 years but the job itself changed some.  I went from making coffee machines to sending out parts for them and working in the office getting orders to send out. 

The change in jobs at first was a little scary I will admit.  I had done the same thing and worked with mostly the same people for 13 years.  I was not a person that liked change at all but I knew that I needed to make it.  I placed a bid to go to another building doing something I had never done before and I got the job.  I didn't really tell many people that I was leaving until the last day.  I didn't want a big deal made out of it.

The main reason I left my old job is something in the past now and I really don't want to keep bringing it up.  All I will say is my decision to leave was very sudden but it turned out to be the best thing I have ever done. 

So much has happened this past year.  I have been slowly making my way to an office job.  At the moment I work only part time but I would one day like to make the change once again and work in the office full time.  Within the next few years I hope that will happen. 

I couldn't be happier at my current job, that is something I thought I would never say.  Yes, there are those few people that I could do without and I can tell some pretty wild stories about some of them but that's for another blog. 

A Shift in Energy

Lately I have been feeling a shift in the energy around.  This is a wonderful shift and such a wonderful feeling. 

I have been feeling in such a slump the past 6 months.  I don't know if it started when I had to move out of my house or if it started when my cat Teddy died.  Both were around the same time as well as winter was in full force.

For the past month I have been feeling alive again.  It could be the change from cold weather to warm weather.  It could be because I can once again watch the birds outside and hear nature at night.  It could be because I am able to get my hands into the earth and start growing things.  It could be many things but whatever it is I am loving it.

The past few days I have been wanting to start doing the things that I used to do.  Getting back into my craft, making things, reading my cards again, spell work.  Everything that I haven't done the past 6 months. 

It's an odd feeling to go from not wanting to do anything, or talk to anyone to wanting to talk and do again.  I want to learn and grow and feel again. I want to feel alive again!

I started over the weekend making a few tie-dyed shirts.  Now I know for some making shirts isn't that big of a deal but for me its letting a part of me shine.  I have also been wearing dresses and skirts again.  I know once again not a big deal for some but for me, it makes me feel like more of my self is being expressed.  It's the little things that are bringing me back.  Like blogging, I can express what's on my mind again and it feels great!

This shift in energies I am welcoming with open arms.  I am feeling whole again and that is exactly what I needed!