The roofing company came to look at our roof yesterday. With all everyone's votes we received the most with 40.9 %. They have narrowed it down to 3 finalist so we have a good chance of winning. Please keep this in prayer and I will let all know as soon as I hear. Thanks ! Joanne

Ellen, I will be taking lots of time for myself. Bob would want me to. After watching him suffer I was ready for him to go with the Lord. I have many decisions to make but will take my time. Glad you have alot of cooking done for the holidays. Cookies are one of my weaknesses too. See you lighter. Joanne

I know I originally come from Michigan where it is so much winterier than here in Delaware but it was pretty cold out for us Delawarians.  I didn't even venture out until it was absolutley necessary to take Alex to basketball practice/try-outs.  I did a whole gob of cooking though. 

Last week I had made the split pea soup, then I made bean soup.  About 3 weeks ago, I went to the Pumpkin Patch near Laurel with my granddaughter.  I bought 3 little pie pumpkins and they sat on the counter all this time. I cut them in half yesterday and baked them, not even knowing what the heck I was going to do with the stuff.  My original intention was to make myself some sugar free pumpkin pies for the holidays, but I so-o-o-o stink at pies.  (FYI: GIANT IN LONGNECK HAS SUGAR FREE PUMPKIN PIES.....JUST GO TO THE BAKERY AND ASK FOR THEM!!) With some sugar free cool whip, ya got a classic Thanksgiving treat.

So anyways, since I bought my splenda pies already, I threw together some ingredients and made a really yummy pumpkin bread, with pecans and coconut.  I used half real sugar and half splenda.  I also baked some honey oatmeal-raisin cookies for the kids.  I swear I should market some of these creations, they are so yummy.  I rarely measure anything because I know the basics for most batters and doughs.  It's just a matter of what you add to it to make it what you want.  I made a "harvest fruit" bread last week that was gone before it even had a chance to cool.  I buy the bags of dried fruits to add to my granola and I used the harvest fruit blend in this bread.  OMG, with a little oatmeal for texture, it was really good.  I always have the basic ingredients in the cupboard so on a whim, I can use up some old bananas or strain some canned fruit and make some pretty healthy snacky stuff.

Next week, I'm going to try making the chicken tortilla soup, except my deep fryer doesn't work.  The tortillas need to be cut into strips, deep fried and put on top of the soup when served.  I suppose I could fry them in a skillet and drain on paper towels.  I guess being stuck in the house during cold weather brings out the domestic goddess in me.  LOL.

We're camping this weekend with the scouts so I won't be back around until Sunday sometime so have a great weekend!!

Joanne,  Glad to see you taking some bits of time for yourself.  This is going to be a hard week for you.  I have started a little bit of my cooking for next week.  I hope I am done at the grocery store.  It is like a zoo there.  I have done quite a bit of my Xmas cookies and put them in the freezer in double freezer bags (mainly to make it much harder for me to get to )  They are one of my weaknesses. 

Continue to bath in the support and love of your family and friends and have a peaceful day.

((Hugs))
Ellen

Amy, Another Good One ! You go girl.! I hope you see how many people read your post.  I'm sure you touch many people without  them replying. See you lighter. Joanne