Austin with Nate

We made it to Austin, Texas to see Nate’s new apartment and new job headquarters at IBM.  It’s a gorgeous city.  So proud of him.

On to lunch and then to his apartment where Raleigh, Sam, Susan ,Stella and Cooper greeted us like they knew us forever. lol Susan has!

A another surprise was waiting plus my favorite cake. Lemon with  moose layer and white chocolate on sides.

Here’s a few great moments.

Eighty lady!

Raileigh and me!

First Birthday lunch 

Cattlemen’s for dinner

Our  Sophee. 14 years and counting

Raleigh girl

 

Stewart and Scarlett 

I’m going to make 80 a great year.

 

4/26/2026

I’ve had a tough time believing I’m 80 years old.  I feel so blessed to have reached this very exciting milestone although my thoughts haven’t been in a positive direction all the time unfortunately .  

I’m working on it and continue to do so.  Health changes along the way seem to get in the way and as I’ve said the journey to old age is just that “a journey”.

Everyday is a gift and we must realize that it also comes with bumps in the road.  How you deal with those bumps is what gives you the strength and will to go on.

 

 

4/25/2026

 

Jersey Nights show!

4/26/2026 

After two great days off to Texas to see our daughter and family.

The flight was late due to weather turbulence.

Welcome to Texas!!!Tornado warnings!!!

Dinner was canceled until the next day but we sure managed to enjoy the almost too beautiful to eat cupcake cake . 

 Just kidding !!! We got right into it!

Surprise first stop for her Dad.  In and out burger.

 

4/28/2026 ⏬

 

Surprise #2 “80” red roses.  So beautiful.

Al loves sweets so he dug into 2 delicious cupcakes. No fork necessary!!! Seriously he is not a finger food guy but after some encouragement he managed to go for it.

Tomorrow on to more fun 

4/29/2026

It’s been cold and rainy here but it hasn’t stopped us.  Unfortunately not pool kind of days but we’re so busy it really doesn’t matter.

Visiting Daniel at his new home.

Nate’s apartment .

Andrew’s apartment.

4/29/2026

Cattlemen’s restaurant 

 

 

Welcome!

I’m here to help create your own comfortable home.

Hi everyone:

This is a new addition to my present baking and cooking blog.

As a young girl I loved decorating and making my bedroom my space. From my  teenage years to  apartment's along the way.  Finally my ability to buy several homes.  In the beginning it would be very small additions like curtains and blinds and yes valances. I always liked antiques and used a few in my homes as I enjoy my family history.

I didn't have the luxury of spending wildly so I always was a wise shopper and today as well.

I learned basics work and through the years starting with basics colors always seemed to work in making my home comfortable and pleasing to the eye.

Whether it's your cupboards or closets it's so important to keep everything in an organized manner.  When you are organized you feel much better about yourself.  I speak from many years of experience.

There is no need to overthink this.  It's just a basic thought process that a little information can go a long way.

In this blog I will help you along the way.  The way I learned through experience.

No particular budget is needed.  You do it your way but make sure you have a plan and start small and grow.

Follow me and I 'll show you how to manage your decorating budget from day one and enjoy every minute doing it.

As always,

M.J..

Decorating ideas and more from my home to yours!

Hi everyone:

This is a new addition to my present baking and cooking blog.

As a young girl I loved decorating and making my bedroom my space. From my  teenage years to  apartment's along the way.  Finally my ability to buy several homes.  In the beginning it would be very small additions like curtains and blinds and yes valances. I always liked antiques and used a few in my homes as I enjoy my family history.

I didn't have the luxury of spending wildly so I always was a wise shopper and today as well.

I learned basics work and through the years starting with basics colors always seemed to work in making my home comfortable and pleasing to the eye.

Whether it's your cupboards or closets it's so important to keep everything in an organized manner.  When you are organized you feel much better about yourself.  I speak from many years of experience.

There is no need to overthink this.  It's just a basic thought process that a little information can go a long way.

In this blog I will help you along the way.  The way I learned through experience.

No particular budget is needed.  You do it your way but make sure you have a plan and start small and grow.

Follow me and I 'll show you how to manage your decorating budget from day one and enjoy every minute doing it.

Here’s an idea to save money on flooring.  I just had installed LVP (luxury vinyl plank flooring)installed in two bedrooms.  Beautiful, easy to maintain/clean at 1/3 of the cost of hardwood and I love it.

As always,

Steak, cheese and onion Stromboli

I package refrigerated Aldi or and store bought pizza dough.  Follow directions.  This package I had frozen so you can freeze pizza dough.  Thaw in refrigerator overnight.

.

4 thin minute steak (frozen thin steaks like steak um)

1small onion sliced thin 

Mixture of grated mozzarella, American and cheddar and a a little ricotta cheese if desired.

Place about 2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil in skillet.

Add sliced onion and slowly sauté onion until it is translucent.  Add broken pieces of steak. Salt and pepper. Cook until meat is browned and onion is almost soft.

When all is cooked.  Drain mixture on paper towel to remove some grease.

 Preheat oven to 375°.

I made 2 round size pieces out of dough and rolled them individually as flat as I could.  Topped with meat, onion and grated cheese and pinch sides to close. You can add cooked peppers too but also make sure you blot them well when adding. If mixture is too greasy you can have difficulty closing the stromboli. FYI 

 Bake according to directions on dough package.

Note:  Brush with olive oil salt, pepper before baking. Mine didn't brown well so I turned my oven broiler on and watched it until it browned.   It browns quickly!!!

Serve with marinara and side salad.