Pioneer Woman at Heart

  I got the chance to go on a new outing, and with a surprise outing with one of the kids.   I was over joyed to get out of the house and do something fun.  It really has been a year for "first" times for so many things, and it is bringing me (us) pure joy, adventures, and fulfillment.  Big or small. First, I received gifts!  A bag, new Spring bathrobe, garden gloves and a coffee mug. The garden gloves are touch screen, so I can keep them on to use my cell phone if needed.  They work too!  Fit great! Love them! Oh, and here is the "first time" part of the special day. . .we went to a coffee shop that we have never been too ( first visit ).  It's been open for many a year or so.  It's small, quaint, and oh boy, sells used and new books (gulp!).  They also sell locally made crafted items as well. I got to try hot and iced coffee flights for the first time ever!!  Oh my gosh, these were delightful. My first ever blind date with ...

I purchased 8 pie pumpkins so far, and roasted them all for puree.  The first 6  weighed in about 1 5 . 71 lbs.  I typically cut them and clean them all, and roast them all in one day.  This time I roasted two a day, until I was done.  I have a dog that likes to steal food , so I made sure I didn't have a lot going on.  Funny how all the dog s don't touch the tomatoes.  An yway... I used parchment paper this year.  I usually add water and cover, but not this year.  It works pretty well too.  Parchment paper isn't cheap, so I buy it at our dollar store for $1 a box.  It gets me th rough the ho liday baking sea son on a dime as well.