October Books

I just finished a book and when I went to write it down in my little notebook I realized that I read 5 books this month!! I had no clue.  This month was a little strange.  Melissa fell behind last month and wasn't able to read the Sept books... So the beginning of this month I read  books on my own while waiting for her to catch up.  It worked out pretty well I guess... We were able to start the October book choices a little over a week ago.  So here we go.....

The Jinx by Jennifer Sturman-  I really enjoyed this book.  I did not know that is was the sequel until I was nearly done with it.  Oops... but even though it is a sequel I didn't feel like I was lost. The story is about a New York business women on a trip to Boston where she is stuck trying to solve a 'who done it'.  Even though at times I was screaming at her to catch up .. "like hurry up and put two and two together already!!!"  (That always makes me a little upset.  I like to feel like they are  smarter than me.  Hehe.) The book is completely cute and a I really liked it.  I am planning one day to go back and read the first book. ( after I finish the million I have on my stack)

Three to Get Deadly by Janet Evanovich-  Another absolutely delightful Stephanie Plum book.  These adventures are so fun.  I can't put them down.  I don't know how many times I can describe these books as side splitting funny, but what else can I say?  This book isn't a good book if you are trying to calm down before bed.  I found myself in bed laughing so hard I began to cry.  Gets ya all riled up some of the things she does. In this book it seems everyone she knows ends up dead.  Yikes.  It was so entertaining.

Four to Score by Janet Evanovich-  Thank goodness Janet Evanovich knew we couldn't take any more Joe Morelli teasing.  After three books I couldn't handle it anymore!!  Thankfully Joe and Stephanie finally get more serous in Four to Score.  I have decided that if by #7 they aren't married that I will not read any more of the Plum books.  Stephanie might not be a good bounty hunter yet but I have so much fun watching her screw up.    Her grandma is a riot and I feel like I know these people now.  Thank goodness Stephanie is able to avoid the numerous attempts to take her life in this book.  And thank goodness Rex the hamster survived.  I have never been teary eyes over a pretend hamster before.  I guess that is just how good Janet Evanovich is!!

Widow of the South by Robert Hicks-  I have to admit I wasn't geeked about reading this book.  It is about the Civil War which I have never been interested in quite honestly.  I could barely get through the textbook reading I had to do in school.. How was I going to get through a book about the subject if no one was forcing me to??  Well, it didn't take me too long to get hooked.  By page 100 I was trying to figure out when I should take a trip to Franklin, TN to visit the battleground.  This book is full of history and the rest is filled in with a great story!!  The McGavock's home is taken over as a hospital for the wounded men fighting in town not very far away.  Carrie McGavock is already dealing with death.. The deaths of three of her children.  Strangely she is brought back to life when she is forced to take care of the dying and the injured.  One soldier in particular.....  This book is so wonderful.  I highly recommend it!!    ( and I will let you know if I ever visit Franklin.)

Tales from the Bed by Jenifer Estess-  This book was so moving.  It is a memoir. Jenifer at the age of 35 is diagnosed with ALS.  A lively active woman living in New York City is now dealing with a terrible disease.  She has to deal with so many scary things.  At the end of this book I was really affected.  The books is amusing though, her sense of humor is a relief even in the end.  I have 14 page markers in my book so when I talk to Melissa about this book I won't forget all of the things that were really funny or really touching. What an amazing person!! 

This month's book were really great!  Yippie Love it when that happens. hehe

Spinach and Beef Enchiladas

I made this dish last week.  Dave and I both really loved it.  Give it a try.

SPINACH AND BEEF ENCHILADAS

You will need:  * 1 lb. lean ground beef * 2 garlic cloves minced * 1 1/2 cups frozen cut leaf spinach ( from a 1 lb bag) * 4 oz. cream cheese * 1/2 teas. ground cumin * 1 can(4.5 oz) chopped green chiles * 2 cups shredded Mont jack cheese *  1 package flour tortillas for burritos, 8 inch( 8 tortillas)  *  1 can (8oz) tomato sauce * 1 cup thick n chunky salsa * 2 tbls chopped fresh cilantro if desired ( I used dried)*

Step 1- heat oven to 350. spray a 13x9 glass baking dish with Pam. In 12 inch skillet cook beef and garlic over med high heat about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until beef is thoroughly cooked; drain.

Step 2- add spinach and cook till thawed stirring frequently.  Reduce heat to medium; stir in cream cheese, cumin, chilis and 1 1/2 cups of the cheese.  stir till combined.  spoon 1/3 cup of the beef mix into each tortilla.  Roll up; place seam side down in the dish.

Step 3- in med bowl combine the tomato sauce and salsa.  Spoon over the tortillas.  Sprinkle with remaining cheese. 

Step 4- Bake 20-25 minutes or till thoroughly heated.  sprinkle with cilantro.  EAT.  Enjoy!!

This is what we are having this week.......

Monday- Beef and creamy potato casserole

Tuesday- Sweet and Sour Pork with rice

Wednesday- Chicken Fried Rice

Thursday- Beef and Tortellini soup

Friday- Maple Sage Pork Roast

Saturday- Stuffed Shells

Sunday- Ham Steaks

Yuck what a bad day

Well, it wasn't terribly terrible, but you know when your day starts out really crappy and the rest of the day your just in a bad mood?  My sister called and woke us up this morning at 7 am to tell us that our storage unit in Michigan was broken into!!  We had a lot of our things shipped to Michigan and put into storage when we moved to Japan.  I guess the cops didn't think much was missing. Looked like they went through our storage tubs.  I mostly had extra kitchen stuff in the tubs.... but we did have some really important stuff in there I hope they didn't break!!  All of Dave's childhood ornaments, my Christmas village, my Great Grandma's record player and records( which I have blogged about how important those memories are to me, but I guess its the memories that are important not the actual player. But I want to be able to play the record for my kids one day and tell them about her you know??)  The thing I am guessing is gone is Dave's big 373 piece Craftsman tool set that was setting right by the door.  I suppose his bow is gone too.  He had a box with some really delicate toys from his grandfather which would be broken if the thieves didn't take the utmost care going through the box.  I am guessing that if you were out to steal stuff from others you wouldn't waste time taking great care not to break things though. So probably should be prepared for a lot of broken stuff eh.

So after that I tried to go back to sleep.  When I woke back up we went about our day.  Nothing terrible happen just stupid stuff annoyed the crap out of me.  You know when your just in a bad mood???  Looking forward to a new day tomorrow!! 



Saturday is the Salmon Festival.  We already bought one ticket so Dave can catch a salmon with his bare hands!!  I'll be sure to take lots of pictures!! 

We had a really great day yesterday.  We drove to Aomori to see the Big Buddha.  The drive there was so beautiful.  All of the fall colors were amazing.  We had a really great time at the park.  It was so peaceful and beautiful.  I posted a photo album, check it out.

This weeks dinners are very exciting

I am really excited about this week.  I am trying a whole bunch of new recipes.  FUN.  I might not end up cooking a lot though because Dave has wed, Thurs, Friday off and we have stuff planned.  Hoping to take a couple of day trips to explore around a bit so might not end up cooking those days.  We will see! 

Monday- Leftovers (like always)

Tuesday- Turkey Noodle Casserole with steamed broccoli. * This is a new recipe*

Wednesday- Spinach and Beef enchiladas * this is new recipe*

Thursday- Honey Nut Chick sticks roasted red potatoes Lima beans * the chicken is new recipe*

Friday- Beef and Creamy Potato casserole, salad and a side veggie. * this is new recipe*

Saturday- Bean Night

Sunday- Beef and Tortellini soup, bread sticks, salad

I think some of those recipes were from last week.  Sometimes I am busy and don't end up cooking but we always have leftovers in the fridge.  Last week was super hectic since the base was having a exercise.  YUCK.  Tomorrow I am going to the spouse coffee, then I will probably come home and try to finish Widow of the South.  I am crossing my fingers I can get it finished and start the next book... Tales From the Bed. 

funny how things get interesting

I started a new book last week.  Widow of the South by Robert Hicks....I had a really tough time getting through the first 50 pages.  It is about the Civil War battle that took place at Franklin, TN.  I have never been a civil war buff.. but Melissa is and it was her pick for the month.  I only had to trudge through it a little further to get hooked.  I am about half finished now and I am really enjoying it.  I even find myself thinking I would really like to go tour this town.  (I looked it up on the net.. maybe next summer I'll go down there. lol)  Melissa is two books behind so she is catching up right now and hasn't started Widow yet.  I think she is getting antsy... I hope she can start it soon so she and I can chat about it in the evening.

I finished all of my cleaning on Wednesday.  Feels great to know everything is spic n span.  I am sure my spring cleaning will be a lot easier.  I made three loaves of banana bread last night and some banana muffin for Dave to take to work and share.  I love the feeling of a clean house and something yummy in the oven!!!

 We should find out today if Dave got the few days off next week that we have been hoping for.   We really want to get out of Misawa and travel to Sapporo to check the city out.  I am crossing my fingers we will get the o.k.

Have a great weekend everyone!!! 

More Cleaning

I got a lot done today.  Cleaned the bathroom big time.  I took everything out of the cabinets and wiped down the shelves, cleaned the walls from floor to ceiling, washed all the rugs, put up a new shower curtain. Took me long time but its done now and I am so happy.  I am really glad that last night I finished cleaning the spare bedroom.  It took me THREE DAYS to clean the spare room!!!!!  I knew it would be a real nightmare but I had no idea it would take three days! 

But the good news.. All the windows are clean, all the curtains are washed, the ceiling fans are done, and the ceilings have all been dusted!!!  Tomorrow I am going to clean the bedroom( flip mattress and everything!) and hopefully I will have time to clean all of the baseboards.  Wednesday I should be able to finish the kitchen and dining room.  WOOF!!!  The living room shouldn't need too much work, just some good dusting. 

Well, that's all I have been up to.   Take Care everyone!!!

quick FFFB update

Well, I was just able to finish 5 more pages of the FFFB.  I am really excited.  Here is where I am at.......    

• I have 31 of the 38 pages for my book done.   
  
• I have 12 of the 19 pages for Melissa's book done. 
  
• I have 16 of the 18 pages done for the book I am making for Chuck and Ruthann. 

eeeeee I am so happy I am getting so much closer.  Only waiting on 4 resposes now (7 for melissa's book).  yippie.    I have finished 59 of the 75 pages!!!!  More than three quarters of the way done!!! eeeeee