Food Compilation of July food

Mr. C. Made us a hotdog and fries for a fast and easy dinner. It was so good. I will always say if I don’t cook it it is always great.

Loaded baked potato for work lunch. 

Dinner was baked chicken, dressing, and green beans. 

For our dinner I made fried rice and coconut shrimp. Was very surprised that Mr. C. actually enjoyed this meal.

We celebrated Fourth of July at Blake and Jessica’s on July 5th. Everything was so very good. The BBQ was really good. Everyone wiped out the food in rapid succession. 

 

The meat was the main star of the meal.  Love the fact that Jessica enjoys hosting events. 

 

Summertime salads are always the best.  

At the Old Plantation at Medicine Park, I got the loaded baked potato and beef tips. Oh my it was very good. I will be going back to try other dishes! 

Mr. C. Made us hot links with chili. 

Cheesy Bread was good. Any food that has cheese is better! This was the best part of our lunch from Victoria’s Pasta shop in Norman Oklahoma. 

The Primavera pasta had a great presentation but fell flat with taste. I was very disappointed with my food. I had seen the reviews online but wanted to make my own opinion. This is one time I should have passed on this restaurant. 

Mr. C. Google an enchilada recipe and made it for us. I was really impressed with this dish he served us. Had all the right flavors. He normally cooks his “normal” foods.  He really went outside his comfort zone today.

Spaghetti for the win. 

Breakfast was sausage, fried eggs, hash browns is perfect on a Sunday mid morning. 

We made a banana pudding with golden Oreos. Took it over to The Seaton’s for the swimmin BBQ party. 

Here’s my plate from the swim party.  Charles always does a great job on the grill.  

When I put this monthly post about foods we have ate for the month and think dang I didn’t take as many pictures as I thought.  But am glad of the pictures I did manage to take. 

Summer Trivia Questions

 

Summertime has always been a favorite season for so many people. For me, I love the longer days. Send the green grass and the beautiful flowers blooming just brings happiness to my soul. During the summertime I do like to spend more time outdoors enjoying nature. 

I found these questions on summer and thought it would be fun to see if you know the answers. Try your hand at this trivial test.  

What is the hottest temperature ever recorded on earth?      134.1 Degrees

Where was the hottest temperature ever recorded on earth?     Death Valley

And what summer month can you celebrate national picnic day in the USA?     August

What two weather conditions do summer thunderstorms need to develop?       Moisture & rapidly warming air. 

What annual meteor shower peaks in mid August?        The Perseids

What does SPF stand for?          Sun protection factor

What state in the US has hottest average summer temps?        Florida

What are summers three zodiac signs?      Gemini cancer and Leo

Which state in the US has the coolest summers?      Alaska

True or false: Labor Day always falls in summer?     True

How much ice cream does the average American eat every year?       4 gallons. 

Most popular ice pop flavor in US?         Cherry 

Why do dogs pant when it’s hot?        It keeps them cool

What makes a mosquito bite itch?      It’s saliva

What year was Woodstock held?        1969

How many did you guess correctly?  I must admit I didn’t do as well as I thought I would on this summer quiz.  My husband did very well on this quiz. 

I hope the summer has brought you joy and lots of memories. Remember to go outside and enjoy this beautiful time of the year.  Keep dehydrated and stay cool, especially during the hot days.  Keep your summer, fun and enjoyable.  

Talk to you later!  Karen

Swim Party and BBQ food

Wow I did a thing I actually got in the pool and enjoyed myself. The water was perfect and we all enjoyed splashing and swimming.  Am glad I had wore my swim suit so I could enjoy the pool.  At first I was like I’m going to pass, but thought to myself Why not?  Life is too short not to participate in fun activities. 

Mr. C. And I relaxing at The Seaton’s.  They are always great host and am blessed they invite us over.

Jonathan is so good with all the children.  Lane and aLandon have him wrapped around their little fingers. Uncle Jonathan really enjoys the time he spends with the boys.

Auntie Alisha holding baby Sophie.  We all got our turn holding the baby. 

Elizabeth (grandma) getting her time with Sophie.  I made myself the photographer for the evening.  For one I want the memories especially as I get older. Made sure to send Elizabeth pictures as well.

K’Leigh holding baby Sophie.  She was ready to meet the newest member of the family. 

Savannah and baby Sophie

The food was delish.   I probably ate way more than I needed. 

Hot links and baked beans. On the stove there was macaroni and cheese and corn on the Cobb. I should have gotten more pictures of the other foods that was cooked. 

 

Watermelon recipes

Summer is here and I am going to enjoy our local watermelons.  Rush Springs Oklahoma  is well known for the Black Diamond watermelons.  Our school host a Black Diamond basketball tournament every year. So they are a big deal to our community. 

Have you ever wondered how to pick a good ripe watermelon? There is a few different ways to pick out watermelons.  There easiest way is thumping it, if it is thud sounding thump it’s probably ripe. If there is a high pitch it’s going to be green. Now for me I look at the curly Q and if it’s green it’s going to be green, if it’s brown it’s going to be ripe.  Now if you look at the belly and it’s yellow it’s more than likely going to be ripe.  So many other factors to take in but you really don’t know how the watermelon is going to be till you cut it open. How do you check your watermelons? 

I really want to buy more watermelons and try different recipes. We have several local fruit stands that I plan on utilizing this summer.  Miller’s fruit stand seems to be a popular place, seems to be busy when I drive by in the evenings.  So will stop there to buy my first watermelon of the season. 

Watermelon Aqua Fresca

Part watermelon juice, part limeade, and 100% refreshing. It’s slightly sweet, making it a perfect daytime drink.  Of course you can stir in a shot of tequila or vodka for a boozy drink. Agua frescos hail from Mexico and are made from water blended with sugar and lime. Watermelon Agua Fresca would pair up well with a Mexican themed menu.  

Watermelon Aqua Fresca recipe

Ingredients 

6 cups seedless watermelon chunks plus small wedges for garnish

6 Tbsp sugar

1/3 cups seedless watermelon fresh lime juice

1/3 cup water

Fresh mint sprigs

Directions 

Combine watermelon , sugar, lime juice, and 1/3 cup water in a blender. Purée until smooth, about 30 seconds. 

Serve immediately, garnished with mint sprigs and watermelon wedges, or chill up to 3 days in advance.

Watermelon Salad

4 cups seedless watermelon cubes (about 1/2 -inch)

2 cups baby arugula leaves (packed)

1 cup thinly sliced cucumber 

1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion 

1/4 cup chopped fresh mint 

1/4 cup lime juice (1-2 limes)

Freshly ground black pepper to taste 

Directions 

Toss all of the ingredients in a medium bowl, chill before serving  (Or if you want to serve immediately, be sure the watermelon, cucumber and lime juice is cold upon preparing). Garnish, if desired with a little freshly grounded, black pepper.

I hope to be able to try different watermelon recipes this summer. I have started writing down a few more recipes I would like to share with you. 

 

Housewarming gifts for Dawn

My friend/coworker is starting over with her life. After being in a long term relationship she is suddenly alone. She has rented a house and literally has very few possessions.  As I was listening to her I knew exactly a few things she needed at her new house.  I picked up a cute USA shower curtain, shower curtain rings, can opener, utensils, and cute kitchen towels, with a small trash can.

Thought it looked cute when I put it together. Hope Dawn likes the items I got her. 

Hubbie cleaned up the Red Devil vacuum cleaner that is nearly new. She was grateful for it. 

I really enjoy gifting others when I am able.  It truly brings me joy. 

Dawn will be hosting a housewarming event in August.  I do plan on giving her a toaster, bottle of wine, and a few pot holders.  

The bottle of wine is to toast new beginnings in her home.

 

Sunday Funday at Norman Oklahoma

Cherrie has been wanting to try Victoria’s Pasta Shop.  The decor was okay, basic and plain. Personally the decor doesn’t have to be off the charts if food is great.  The hostess and servers were friendly.

The garlic cheese bread was served first. It was delicious! 

The presentation was good.  I ordered the Primavera. It’s spaghetti with carrots,broccoli and mushrooms tossed with lemon-garlic butter. The dish looked better than it tasted.  I would say I have had better microwave meals.  I was disappointed to say the least. I had looked at reviews and knew that many people felt the same way. I am the type of person who will still try new experiences because mine could be different. Unfortunately my opinion is the same as many others not worth going back to try if food has improved.  

This is a cute bike rack downtown Norman. Love the uniqueness of the bike racks on Main Street.  

Cherrie and I also went to Ollie’s, Ross and Burlingtons.  I wasn’t thrilled buying a couple of outfits for Wesley, Angel and Clifford for back to school. Overall the day was good! 

Now I need to plan our next Sunday Funday!! I think we are going to not go anywhere this coming Sunday. I know that will make my husband happy. 

 

Firemen and Firetrucks

Firemen have always been special to me. I’ve had several friends that have choose this as their career.  From my perspective once you become a fireman you continue to be one most of your life.  

Fire trucks are one of the most iconic symbols of emergency response. 

Firefighters are generally well regarded and respected. For me I think of them as heroes for their bravery and commitment to saving lives and protecting property.

Firefighters are seen as heroes who display extraordinary courage and selfishness, willing to risk their own lives to protect others their property. 

What I believe is firefighters recognize the urgency of their role. Firefighters must be focused on the task at hand. 

Firefighters understand the value of team work. Every firefighter is critical to the team.  Each and every firefighter is critical to the team. Their training is top notch. They constantly are doing trying to stay on top of their craft. Regulations are always revolving, safety is so important.

Firefighters love what they do. They love the exhilaration of tackling and deflating a fire. They believe in what they are doing. The understand lives depend on them. 

Firefighters serve proactively. They educate the public on fire prevention. They also visit local schools to teach children about fire safety. The enforce local codes to prevent open flames. 

 

Saturday day date with husband.

Mid morning Mr. C and I went to Chickasha to John Deere to pick up riding lawn mower items. Our riding lawnmower was having major issues.  So proud that hubbie could finger it out on his own.  I wasn’t sure if it was fixable so was looking on market place on Facebook for used mowers.  No way are we are going to use a push mower on our two acres.  Especially with Mr. C’s health issues.

Pictures or it didn’t happen.  He really isn’t into pictures at all. So am greatful for every picture I have of  us together.