Kayaking...Or Not

Since I am on Fall Break and leaving for California on Friday, Don decided to take a few days off for us to spend time together (that may not be the reason he gives when asked why he took time off work, but it's the one I'm sticking with). Since we have taken up kayaking as our new hobby, we decided to go on an 8 mile kayaking trip down the Whitewater River in Brookville, Indiana today. Don made all the arrangements with the kayak rental company and off we went this morning. It's about a 2 hour drive so we had to get up quite early to make our 9:30 reservation. We got there about 10 minutes late and what did we find? Nothing but a dark building and locked doors. Apparently they forgot to show up for work this morning. Big bummer!

We had to move onto Plan B which ended up being a lot of fun. We wound up at Whitewater Memorial State Park where we spent a couple of hours hiking the trails around Brookville Lake.

Very scenic, especially this time of year!

We took several shots, but we always ended up on the right so we gave up.

As we were leaving the park, we came across two deer standing just yards from our car. One escaped before we could get a picture, but this doe stayed very still...until my cell phone rang and she made a run for it too!

After we left Brookville, we headed over to Metamora for a little lunch...and fudge. I realize this looks like steak (sort of), but it is actually the most delicious chocolate peanut butter and chocolate caramel pecan fudge I have ever eaten!

And if the fudge wasn't enough (because of course for me, a true chocoholic, it wasn't), as we were driving home, we came across one of those drive-up hot dog, root beer, ice cream places (which I absolutely ADORE!) so my wonderful husband stopped and we got ice cream. Is that bad?? I don't think so. I think it was a terrific day spent with my hubby!

Hoosier Outdoor Experience

On Saturday, Cassie (my Little Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters, for those of you who missed my previous post) and I spent the day at Fort Harrison State Park at an event the DNR was hosting called Hoosier Outdoor Experience. Of course, Don had to be there working so we decided to give it a try and join him. We ended up staying for 6 hours and having a total blast! There were all sorts of things to do from kayaking, canoeing and horseback riding to archery, fishing and skeet shooting. And we did it all!

Here we are shooting fake fish with a bow...this was a ton of fun, and fairly simple, once you got the hang of it.

Then we moved on to shooting a target.

Next up was fake animals (a beaver for Cass, a ram for me).

I was actually really good at this (little known fact...my grandpa taught me to shoot a bow and arrow when I was little...I think I made him proud!). See the ram in front of me? He was dead (after I consistently hit him in the kill zone a half dozen times). See the guy to my right? He was impressed (not to brag or anything...he actually told me so). :)

Posing for a pic while waiting to kayak (didn't get any pictures of that...Don had to take off with the camera).

Canoeing with my hubby down Fall Creek (this was the next day...we didn't leave Cassie behind).

The view ahead of us while canoeing.

Overall, we had a ton of fun doing things that, at first, seemed a bit outside my element (but I loved, nonetheless)!

Not Me! Monday

Another installment of Not Me! Monday...head on over to MckMama's blog to check out what other people have NOT been doing or to join the blog hop yourself.

Well, today is the first official day of my 2 week Fall Break. And just so you know, I most certainly did NOT spend 90% of the day in bed watching daytime television. Nope, not me!

I also did NOT ignore the house cleaning, yard work and errands that needed to be done. No way, not me!

I did NOT choose to take a nap and a bath instead of doing all those important things...no way!

And, most importantly, since I did NOT do any of those things, I definitely did NOT feel guilty when the hubby called from work to see what I was up to...no, I did NOT!

Happy Monday!

Be Big!

Well, I know you are dying to hear more about this Hoosier Outdoor Experience I've been talking about on Facebook, but I thought I should post this first.

You see, on Saturday, I did go out to HOE, but my Little Sister, Cassie, tagged along. The reason that is capitalized is because she is my Little Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters, not my actual little sister. So, before I post pictures of us shooting fake animals and having a blast, I thought I would write this post since I'm sure people will be wondering who she is.

Cassie and I have been matched up for about a year and a half now. We typically see each other every other weekend. We have done just about everything under the sun...played badminton, gone to the movies, walked Hoosier, painted pottery, visited museums, attended basketball games, cooked a meal and so on...pretty much whatever she wants to do, we do it. We also talk on the phone in between our outings (I'm sure she absolutely loves having a teacher for a Big Sister...ha!). As a bonus, BBBS hosts many events and receives tickets for many events around town so you can usually do things for free.

Anyways, as you can probably guess, Big Brothers Big Sisters is having a hard time finding Bigs (that's actually what they're called), especially Big Brothers. I actually had to wait several months to be matched up with Cassie, but don't let that discourage you, ladies. So, if you have a few extra hours per month or are looking for the perfect volunteer opportunity, here it is. Call your local Big Brothers Big Sisters and apply to be a Big. They would love to hear from you!

Show Us Your Life-Favorite Desserts

Well, once again, I don't have a picture of my recipe. If only Don didn't love this pie so much...just kidding, although, we really did just finish one of these not too long ago.

I got this recipe from my brother years ago, and it is definitely one of the easiest and most requested recipes I have. Here it is...Peanut Butter Pie.

Ingredients
3/4 cup peanut butter
3 oz. cream cheese
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup milk
8 oz. Cool Whip
Graham cracker pie crust

Directions
In a bowl, mix together first 3 ingredients. Slowly add powdered sugar and milk; whip. Stir in the Cool Whip. Pour into the pie crust. Refrigerate or freeze several hours before serving.

Enjoy!

Morse Reservoir

Earlier in the week, Hoosier and I tagged along with Don to one of his many softball games. We like going along when he plays at Morse Park because there are a lot of walking trails along the water that keep us busy. And, of course most importantly, it's absolutely beautiful at sunset. Here are a few pictures we took as we walked. Unfortunately, I missed the prettiest part of the evening...these pics were taken a bit later, after Don's games.

Sunset on the lake...








A nice all-American night...baseball, a peaceful walk with the dog and a beautiful sunset. You can't beat that!

Visiting Family

Yesterday, Don and I drove up to Muncie to visit my grandma, Aunt Mary and Uncle Todd. We had a great time chatting and ate a delicious lunch at White River Landing.

Since I'm normally the photographer, we have very few pics of the two of us. It's nice to actually be able to post a picture of us together.

Aunt Mary and Uncle Todd

3 generations...grandma, me and Aunt Mary

Looking forward to going back and visiting again soon!

Show Us Your Life-Dinner Recipes

I made Mexican Chicken Meatballs for dinner a few nights ago and did not plan on blogging about it so I apologize for the lack of photos. I wasn't sure how well it would go over at my house, but this recipe passed with flying colors. Don and I both loved it! It is technically an appetizer but, served with mexican rice, it can definitely be enough for a meal. We will certainly be having this again soon!

Mexican Chicken Meatballs

1/2 cup egg substitute (or 2 eggs)
1-4 oz. can chopped green chilies
1 cup crushed cornflakes
1 cup (4 oz.) shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend
1/2 tsp. seasoned salt
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 lb. ground chicken
Salsa

In a large bowl, combine the first 6 ingredients. Crumble chicken over mixture and mix well. Shape into 1 inch balls. Place on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake at 375 for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown, turning occasionally. Serve with salsa.

Enjoy!

abc ME READ Open House

Finally, a post that is not about landscaping...I bet you all are thrilled!

Yesterday, I hosted the first abc ME READ Open House for about 20 of the teachers at my school and their children. It was a blast! Laura did a demonstration of a book club, using letter L of the Alphabet Book Club. Click here to see the entire lesson, craft and snack for letter L. The kids loved listening to the story, making a ladybug pad of paper and making and eating lion pudding cups.

Seriously, how cute are these?? And so easy!!

Our business is so unique in that we urge people to bring their children along to our open houses. I mean, what's a kids' book club without kids? Interested in learning more? Visit our website at http://www.abcmeread.com/. You can find out more about our kids' book clubs, as well as our other educational materials, and learn more about hosting your own open house or making money using our materials. Check it out!

Landscaping Extravaganza Day 3

I know, you thought there was an end to our landscaping craze, but oh no, we've just begun. Scroll down to see installments 1 and 2. As you saw in my previous posts, our house had become a jungle of weeds. Well, after an entire weekend of pulling those weeds and digging out the ugliness that was our landscaping, we have moved on to bigger, better and funner things. So, Don and I packed ourselves into the truck and returned home (3 times) with more trees and plants than we knew what to do with.

Here's a glimpse at the truck after one of our trips to the nursery...

Here's a view of the front of the house after we planted some azaleas and hydrangeas...

You might have noticed the beautiful tree at the corner of the house. It's my new cherry tree...

Here's a view of the side of the house. If you remember correctly, this is the side that previously looked like it belonged somewhere in a jungle. The weeds were much taller than me and far more out of control! After planting a few azaleas and grasses, it looks MUCH better!

This shrub is at the other corner of the house, on the garage side. It's the only plant we bought for which I have forgotten the name. I wish my camera did it the justice it deserves. It has beautiful red and green leaves...perfect for fall!

We started tackling the backyard, but we were driven away by a mass of hornets that have nested in the ground where we are trying to plant. Maybe another day...

I'll post more pics once we finish the backyard and put in the 165 brick edgers we picked up at Menard's. Do you have any idea what 165 twelve and a half pound bricks do to a Ford Explorer? Let's just say we were ridin' low!

It's a Raccoon, It's a Squirrel...Nope, It's Just Hoosier

This is what I first saw when I walked out onto the deck this afternoon to check on Hoosier...

Of course, my first thought was, "Oh no, wild animals have ravaged the firepit!" Then, I saw this...



Of course, I should have known that it WAS a wild animal...Hoosier. Dear God, this dog will eat just about anything!

BooMama's Diptacular Blog Carnival

In honor of the start of football season, BooMama is hosting a Diptacular blog carnival.

Here is my all-time fav dip to take to a football party or really just any kind of party. It's my dessert cheese ball...

Ingredients
8 oz. cream cheese
1/2 cup butter

2 tbsp. brown sugar

3/4 cup powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

1/3 cup mini chocolate chips (or a whole bag, nobody's judging you)

Graham sticks or vanilla wafers

Directions

Mix cream cheese and butter. Add brown sugar, powdered sugar and vanilla; stir. Stir in mini chocolate chips. Refrigerate for 2 hours or more. Roll into a football (or any other) shape. Serve with graham sticks or vanilla wafers.

Go Hoosiers, Irish and Colts!

Enjoy the dip and here's to a great start to football season!