Palm Springs or Close

Okay, I guess we didn't actually go to Palm Springs, now that I think about it. We flew into Palm Springs and then left and went everywhere else. One city leads to another in Southern California.
The resort had beautiful landscaping, foliage, flowers and ponds.


We went to a shopping area, The Garden, where the gardens and the sculptures were gorgeous. The guys thought it was like U Village on steroids.


When I loaded my photos I had a good laugh. After shopping I mentioned to Hubby that Saks was their cornerstone store and we hadn't even seen it. Apparently, I was busy taking photos of the gardens and flowers and missed Saks.

While I shopped, the guys went to Tommy Bahama's for a smoothie. We had dinner there too.
TBC...

Maybecation to Cheapcation on VaCaTiOn

Our garage sale was sooo successful... Kidding, just kidding.

We are going to Palm Springs. For four nights with Sam and Max. We are staying in Indio. Several months ago we talked to Hubby's Mom about using their timeshare, and they were happy to share. The Oregon coast was full but there was a special in Indio. We made the decision to reserve a spot and watch for good airfares. If we couldn't fly round trip for under $100 per person- no go.
I watched and waited and one evening sure enough, $48 each way.

When we tentatively planning this "maybecation" we thought Danny would be here for the summer and wanted him along with us. He is in MI for the duration so no go.

Anyway, we are going.

Whoo woo, pack your bags guys. But pack little bags as I didn't pay extra for luggage. Carry on only.

Then I started to look for a rental car. I watched, I waited, I stalked the Budget, Thrifty and Dollar sites.

Whoo hoo, I got a premium car for $25 a day, cheaper than the compact cars. Weird. Why would anyone rent the compact when they can have the luxury car for less?

So, what are we doing in the desert in June? I am laying in the lazy river. That's it, that's all. Max wants to go to In-N-Out Burgers, I can do that. But pretty much that's all. I am laying by the pool.

Maybecation to Cheapcation, hey, it's a Vacation and I need one!

Later.

Early Bird Shopper

Only one early bird shopper, Miss Emilyn. I couldn't entice Caleb to leave the computer. Holly stopped by but we missed her visit. Probably on the patio, it's where we live in summer. Sorry Holly, no pressure washer for sale.







After much deliberation, Emilyn decided on the pineapple glasses. A fine choice.

See you at the sale!

Just Like a Department Store

Yard Sale tomorrow! We have been busy. We have a vintage section, clothing, sporting goods, country western, toy department, a bike shop and a fish aquarium department.



Thank goodness for good help! Happy to have a member of the 800 Club to do the heavy lifting...
Tonight the real help is coming, Caleb and Emilyn.

Friday is the fun day-sale day. Maybe Saturday morning too, since our neighbors are having a Saturday sale and placed an ad.
Here's to the big bucks and thousands of shoppers!

Tag Sale Anyone?

We are having a yard sale on Friday, maybe Saturday. If you want to think upscale and more like Martha call it a Tag Sale. We'll see how we're holding up on Friday and maybe be open Saturday morning. This a joint venture for Max and Mom. Yesterday we cleaned out the garage, loaded up the carport for our staging area. Tonight, pricing.

I haven't had a sale in years, not sure what possessed me now. No newspaper ads, just signs. That way we can back out if something better comes along.

Old school fish aquariums, vintage hat collection, bikes, clothes, skateboards, you name it, we've got it.

Any words of wisdom? Besides... "Don't Do It!"

Recipes, Chicken Cheats and Friends, Oh My!

I did promise some recipes from the luncheon. No pictures as I just wasn't thinking about posting recipes during the prep of this party.
Becky brought a strawberry and green salad. Jodi brought dessert, strawberry pizza. I made the rolls, a fruit tray and my Mom's recipe for Hot Chicken Salad. This is an old recipe, but every time I make it I wonder why I don't make it more. Maybe because of the calories?

Hot Chicken Salad
2 c. chicken*
2 c. sliced celery
2 c. toasted bread cubes
1/2 c. slivered almonds
1/2 tsp. salt

Blend together:
2 tsp. grated onion
2 T. lemon juice
1 c. mayo
1 can Cream of Chicken soup

*Okay for several years my friend Jolene has told me about buying white meat chicken, cooked and evenly diced, frozen and sold at Cash and Carry in a ten pound box.
I was skeptical. I was cheap. I held back. Foolish! This chicken totally rocks. It's delicious, it's reasonably priced and it is CONVENIENT! I don't why I waited so long. Love it!
You know the pasta, chicken, poppy seed, grape salad? Now it is easy. Chicken lasagna, slam it out in no time. I will not be without it again.
Call me a cheater- don't care.
Read this and tell me who is living the dream. Or read this bloody post Someone needs to tell her. It's like $3.40 a lb. No joke.


Sorry. Back to our regularly scheduled programming. But I love those little things that make life easier.
Mix together lightly and place in a flat baking dish. Top with 1 c. grated cheddar cheese. Bake 30-40 minutes.
I toss a few of the almonds on top of the cheese.

For the rolls I used Anna Greta's recipe for Ice Box Buns. I chose this recipe because of the weather. It was so hot outside and actually also hot in my kitchen, I am challenged with yeast recipes in the summer. Since the first rise was in the fridge my thinking was it might go better for me. I love Anna Greta's recipes and I have had these many times. Apparently I need a lesson from her because my rolls did not resemble hers in the least. I think they tasted good just looked different.

Ice Box Buns
1 pkg. yeast
2 T. warm water
1/2 c. sugar
2 c. milk
2 beaten eggs
1 tsp. salt
5 1/2 cups flour
1/2 c. melted butter.
Combine the yeast, water and sugar. When dissolved add the warm milk, eggs, salt and part of the flour. Add melted butter and the rest of the flour. Mix until a soft dough forms. Cover and put in the refrigerator overnight. When taken out of the fridge, divide into thirds. Roll each piece into a round about 9-10 inches in diameter. Cut into 12 pie shaped wedges. Roll each wedge from the outside towards the center. Put on greased cookie sheet and let rise for about 3 hours. Bake 12 minutes at 375 degree oven.


Jodi may have more photos, I was in the moment. Missed the food shots!

This is what it was all about, reconnecting with old and new friends.