Warmer Temperatures Makes One Think

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Think about sitting on the deck, barbecues, entertaining and you are not alone. We are preparing to move to the desert area in Canada where there is a ton less rain and that means more entertaining with new and old friends.

The salads (icy cold, of course), soups that are cool on a hot day (absolutely to die for) different ways to prepare fish (salmon, shrimp, crab, scallops) and steaks, etc. make my mouth water just thinking about it.

If you are ready, we will begin the journey for a easy, stress-free, wonderful spring and summer ahead.

 

Bonnie

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Elbows and napkins and hats/caps, electronic devices

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Remember to keep your elbows OFF the table. God made  your arms so that they do bend in the middle thereby raising the fork/spoon to the mouth and not the mouth to the table. Just a hint, of course.

If, for nothing else but respect, take off your hat when you enter a home, sit at the table to eat or in a restaurant. I don’t care if you didn’t comb your hair. Go the Bathroom and wet it down. It truly is a sign of maturity and proper manners to see this take place.

It is so sad to watch a couple on a date – she’s all dressed up and looking fine and he is in jeans (not clean) scrunchy shirt and a stupid cap on his head, elbows on the table and uses a napkin like a hanky. Oops, did I just hit a nerve?

Use cloth napkins whenever you can. Looks and feels like you care about the people who are coming to your home. They can be inexpensive and they wash and iron up like a dream.

When you are out for a meal in a restaurant, the thing to do is to put everyone’s phones, etc. in the middle of the table, turned upside down. The first person to turn one of them over, pays the entire check. It only takes one misstep here to NEVER do it again. Remember you came out with them to enjoy their company, you don’t need to play with the phone until the meal is over and you have left the restaurant.

Later.

Bonnie

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Where Did Spring Go?

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We have had a robin in our yard now for over 3 weeks. We have one shrub in full bloom with pink blossoms, our peony trees are leafing as well as our star magnolia….yet the snows keep coming, it’s cold and I, personally, have had enough. Bring on the warmer breezes (not the hurricane-type winds we have had lately) and let all in our world bloom as it should.

There must be a new martini recipe looming somehwere here. Later

Bonnie

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Bounce Hints Are Back…..again!

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If you have a trailer, camping equipment or vehicles that are being stored for a long time, spread a few sheets of Bounce inside and it will keep mice from entering.

With warmer weather coming keep in mind, when outdoors, to put a sheet of Bounce through a belt loop to repel mosquitoes. (Think camping, picnics, walks in the forest).

The best hint of all and YES, IT REALLY WORKS….to dissolve soap scum from shower doors, clean with a sheet of Bounce.

Later.

Bonnie

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Being pampered is Great!

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Don’s eldest son is here and he wanted to cook dinner for us. He is just like his Dad. WOW! What a dinner. No slouch this boy! He can pamper us anytime. Love it.
I will try to get this recipe. It was pork tenderloin, mushrooms, capers, cream, spinach, and whatever else went into t his dish was amazing.

Later

Bonnie

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Whirlwind Week

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The past week has been a real whirlwind. Last Saturday and Sunday we had two special dinners for family visiting. My sister-in-law was here for a week (so they tell me) it seemed like one day actually. Big dinner last night at Don’s niece and today Don’s oldest son is staying overnight and off to Oliver to see our new house and then back again. THEN it will be back to normal, whatever that is. Anyone for a martini? Later

Bonnie

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Time? Where Does It Go?

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We have had my wonderful sister-in-law stay with us for a week. This is day 4 and seems like it should be day 1. ???? We have travelled up and down the highway going here and there, eating out, (last night at the Keg), tonight going to dinner and watching the Harlem Globetrotters. We have packed up more “stuff”, bought tons of material to make tablecloths with, and tomorrow we are, again going to dinner, this time at her daughters. Alas….that means we have to take her back,

Bonnie

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Bounce Tips Are Back

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If you sew, this one will help you. To prevent thread from tangling, run a threaded needle though a sheet of bounce before beginning your task.

If you are cat lovers/owners, you can collect cat hairs by wiping couches and chairs with a sheet of Bounce and they will magically and magnetically adhere to the Bounce.

After a camping trip, place a sheet of Bounce in each of the sleeping bags and one in the tent before storing. No musty, old campfire smells when you are ready to go again.

Have fun!

Bonnie

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When? What? Who?

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Look at the calendar and pick a day to hold your dinner. Ask yourself WHAT kind of dinner you want to put on and for WHOM. Now make a list.  The reason for making a list of what is ahead of you is so you won’t forget anything.

When I plan a dinner my thinking is scattered. I may start with what kind of dessert I want to try and then think about the salad. Whatever works for you. Write it down! Make sure you keep a card file so you an write the guests name, date, occasion (if any), menu, recipes with page number of the book you are using. So handy to have for all the right reasons.

The reason for keeping a card file is so you won’t make a mistake and serve your company the same meal over and over.

Bonnie

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Lucky Chances

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My daughter has won the hockey pool at her workplace THREE times in a row. We keep telling her to buy a lottery ticket. I think she has but……

Lucky is in the eyes of the beholder…lucky to have a roof over our head? Absolutely. Food on the plate? For sure. Sense of humor? A true gift. A loving spouse? God given. It goes on and on. Even when the rain is never ending (or so it seems), a house half built-soon to be finished.

Daughter coming for a brief dinner date? Mind boggling. Have the ingredients to make a martini on a whim? What can I say to that? Lucky, lucky me.

Bonnie

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Best Entertainment Tip

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I wish I could take credit for this one and having had it in use for about fifteen years, my daughter thought I should share it with you. This is not my idea but one that Martha Stewart had in a magazine so long ago.

Get a recipe box and fill it with recipe cards. Now, when you are having a dinner, take a card and write the names of your guests, the date of the dinner, the occasion (if there is one) and the menu. Along with this write out the name of the book or magazine where you found it, page number so if you need to find it a day or two before the upcoming dinner, it will all be at your fingertips.

By the way, make this card out when you plan to have a dinner….a week, 2 weeks or a month in advance. This is good planning and you will be prepared in getting the groceries required, wine to buy, mixings for the signature drink and, most important point of all, you won’t be serving your guests the same food the next time they come over.

Really, try it and it will become second nature for you. P.S. I also use this when family come over (not Christmas as that one is laid in stone) but other times, epecially if it is a special occasion. Remember to treat your family and friends the same way you treat company.

Tip: If you don’t it becomes “oh, it is JUST so-and-so’ coming over. The special treatment is lost in that one statement.

Bonnie

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Operation a success

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Don’s surgery yesterday was smooth as silk. He’s on the mend and doing exceptionally well. This morning we have a showing at 9 a.m. so I will get back to you after that. It is now 6 a.m. and I have not had my coffee. Understand?

Bonnie

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