Friday, March 30, 2012

Cream Cheese Pickle Rolls

Cream Cheese Pickle Roll Ups

These are a big hit at my get at my party's.
I have also made these yummy appetizers with green onions and other types of sandwich meat. If you make them with a green onion, I like to call those "Firecrackers" and have them at my July 4th party.
 First off, you will need to get your supplies. You will need some type of sandwich meat, cream cheese and pickles.
Above picture is the Ham.
 I also have some Turkey
 Cream Cheese-works best to spread if soft or slightly warm it to get it soft for easy spreading.
 You can get any type of pickle you want. Sweet, Kosher, Dill
 First you have to cut the sandwich meat in half. Then I like to pat dry each slice because the meat tends to be a little moist due to packaging. Plus, it will be easier to spread the cream cheese and won't slip around. If you buy your meat straight from the deli, ask them to slice it a little thick. You don't want it shaved or it will just fall apart while spreading the cream cheese on.
 Spread the cream cheese on the sandwich meat.
 Then you may add your pickle. If you add a green onion, leave the long end hanging out so it looks kind of like a firecracker sparking.
 Roll the pickle up.
 Place on desired serving tray and refrigerate until your party.
They look delicious-right? Well, they are! You will not be disappointed at all.
You could also cut these into slices if you like.


Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Girls Night Out

 Deb, Renee and Jacquie
It was nice getting together with these lovely ladies a few weeks ago. I have not seen Deb in around 13 years, Renee I see every now and then-when we can get together and Jacquie have not seen since I worked with her at the Foster Home in Fruitport, MI.
I first met these ladies back in 1996-1997. They worked in Therapy while I worked as an Aide on the floor in the local nursing home.
These girls have a kind heart, fun spirit and what I have noticed while working in the health field of some form of occupation, you learn to handle things with laughter when possible. It takes a great person to work in the health field and a kind spirit and loving heart full of compassion to take care of others. Not for everyone, but the ones that are there, are truly genuine.
I am glad that I got to know these ladies among the years that I have worked. We had so much fun!

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Fun Times With a Great Friend

 Wendy and I
I went to pick up my daughter Amanda and her friend Lea and then we went over to Wendy's house to spend some much needed time together and watch her daughter "C" play volleyball!
 Amanda and her friend Lea
 Nice "C"!!!!! Great form!
We had so much fun watching her play volleyball. I really like that sport too!
 Anticipation
 "C" was able to make 6 points just with serving!
 "Britty" enjoying the BLT  pizza from Jet's. Awesome pizza!
Love that smile Britty!

See how Nummy it looks?!!!!

"Mander" and "C" wrestling! I think "C" was actually asking for a take down. LOL
Manda is always ready to accept the challenge!

So, as you see, it was a fun time had by all!

It doesn't matter how many miles are between friends. It doesn't matter how much time/years have passed, there is always time to spend with a friend.
If you haven't made time for a friend lately-make time! You won't regret it!


Best Friends means different things to different people. Some insist that you can have only one best friend. Others assert that they have best friends for different aspects of their personalities. Whatever the precise definition, your best friend is the person who gets you. They understand who you are and what you are saying. The greatest distance cannot separate best friends. You will always feel a kinship with them, and be able to instantly continue the friendship even after not talking for many years.

“Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art… It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival.”
CS Lewis

Colossians 3:12-14 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

 



Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Frederick Meijer Gardens, Grand Rapids Michigan


 The chrysalis:
a protecting covering : a sheltered state or stage of being or growth.
 Caterpillars can be just as fascinating and colorful as the adult butterflies.  Each species has a characteristic coloration and pattern, which can change as it grows.
 The Common Morpho 3-5" wide.
Common morpho butterflies have brightly-colored, blue metallic upper wings. Their undersides, visible while the butterfly is at rest, are cryptic camouflage featuring 4 sets of "eyespots."

 Small Postman 2.5-3" wide.



Carol and I taking a snapshot while observing the butterflies. It was warm in there and I was 
sweating so much! Spring-here it comes, or are we skipping spring and heading directly into summer? 

 Small Postman
 Great Mormon 4-5" Wide
 Small Postman (these come in various designs).
 I loved the design on this Small Postman


 Frederick and Lena Meijer and I

Fred Meijer was born in 1919 and began working in his father’s grocery store at the age of fourteen. After high school, Fred joined his father full time in the business. In 1946, Fred married Lena Rader whose parents were farmers. She also worked in the grocery store as a clerk. Meijer, Inc. grew into a multi-state supermarket chain, and Fred and Lena became major philanthropists in Grand Rapids, Michigan, especially toward medical institutions and nature preserves.

 Love this picture that I captured of this waterfall. I was playing with the settings on the camera and I actually conquered what I set out to do! YAY ME!
I think I am going to head back out here when things are more in bloom.

Had a very nice time out at the Gardens and I would recommend this to anyone who likes to do things like this. So, if you are ever in the Grand Rapids, MI area, head on out to the Gardens.

Friday, March 2, 2012

Time Well Spent with a Friend


Last Friday I was able to meet up with one of my great friends from High School.
The weather was nasty out but Sue made it down even with the slick roads. She had to go pick up her Sister's kids for the weekend and we decided to get together since she was coming down.

I am sitting in the parking lot at Uccello's waiting for her to arrive and I thought I saw her pull in but wasn't sure and then ten minutes later I get this text, "I'm here". LOL So, I went in and the hostess couldn't remember if someone came in. I said, "she's this tall (holding up my hand to about my nose area-lol and has brown hair. Nope, I said how about a Sue? Oh we have one over here, yep, there she was, sitting at a table waiting patiently.

We had  a great time catching up and good food as usual. Sure did seem like that time flew by too fast! Yet, I am thankful for the time that we did get to spend together.

Love ya Sue!