Finally - I'm caught up!

I'm finally caught up with "The Good Wife" that is. I decided to see what that television show was about so I started with the first 3 or 4 episodes on Netflix in the spring. I really enjoyed it so decided to keep going at a faster pace by signing up with Amazon Prime. Since the end of May I have watched all 112 episodes - 5 seasons worth.

Only about one week to go before Season 6 starts on CBS.  I'll be DVRing them to avoid commercials but am really anxious to see what the next season will bring.

The "Punisher" is back!

Now that September has arrived - so has the bowling season. I joined a ladies morning league last fall and really enjoyed it. I started the season with a terrible average of 104 but ended up at 140. I even bowled in a few tournaments with a bit of success.

Unlike golf; I take my bowling very seriously meaning I actually try!  I heard about a bowling clinic being given by a couple of pro's last week and took advantage. I did learn a better way to hold the ball and that helped me get my curve ball back. My goal for this year is a 150 or better average.

This fall, I decided to bowl twice a week so in addition to the Monday morning four-person league I asked to join another one. There is a three-person league on Friday mornings. I showed up today and found out that no one is looking for a permanent replacement, but one of the teams did need a substitute for today. I am now that league's official substitute! I was asked to substitute for someone who goes south for the months of November; January and February; and another lady asked me to bowl for her next March 13th! It looks like I'll get my twice a week in quite a bit.

The best part of being a substitute is that I don't have to pay. Of course there will be no prize money for bowling exceptionally well but that's OK.  I still enjoy the competition and meeting new people.

August is the year's end for me.

Not surprising that I enjoy August - after all it is my birth month. August though has a lot going for it. Summer is in full swing by the time August arrives. Walking barefoot through the grass and watching bumble bees moving about from flower to flower is a favorite past time. The lakes and beaches are welcoming. End of summer sales are in full swing and the harvest of vegetables available at farmer's markets make my mouth water. Morning golf is peaceful with the occasional spotting of a deer or two. The State Fair is in town for a 10-day run and is the place to do serious "people watching".  August is also down time before schools start and being lazy isn't considered a bad thing.  Everyone seems just a bit more relaxed during the month - sort of like taking a deep breath and slowly exhaling.

There is anticipation of what's right around the corner too. Sport fans are hopeful as baseball is nearing the playoff season and football teams are starting up. Parents with school age children are hopeful for a new year of growth and learning. Children are excited to get new school supplies and clothes. They are hopeful their teacher is nice and look forward to seeing their school friends.

I'm personally looking forward to a new season of bowling - crafting- and participating in photography and drawing classes this fall. But because my birthday arrives towards the end; spending time with family and friends is like the cherry on top. For me the year ends August 31st with a new year beginning September 1st.

July's Photo Assignments

DPS: Assignment 26: Color

Lill's Lilly

DPS: Assignment 27: Minimalist

Joker's Wild

DPS: Assignment 28: Signs

The "Watch" Orb

DPS Assignment 29: Orange - WINNER!  (found out 8/10/14)

A Glass of Sunshine

Flickr AAW: Urban Art    WINNER!

Letterman watching the sunrise

Flickr AAW: Christmas in July

Watercolor

Flickr AAW: Heat    WINNER!

Relief

Iowa Loose Meat Sandwiches

I cook pretty much every day because I can better control the ingredients and seasonings; plus I enjoy it. My "go-to" source is usually America's Test Kitchen for recipes, and this week I tried something different.  It is so great I thought I'd share.  Really, really easy and quick and even sweetie ate two sandwiches in one sitting!

SERVES 4

Do not substitute leaner ground beef in this recipe or the sandwich will be dry.

INGREDIENTS

• 1pound 85 percent lean ground beef
• 1/4cup water
• 1tablespoon yellow mustard, plus extra for serving
• 1teaspoon sugar
• 1teaspoon salt
• 1teaspoon pepper
• 1/2cup finely chopped onion
• 4hamburger buns
• Sliced dill pickles

INSTRUCTIONS

1. 1. Combine beef, water, mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper in 10-inch skillet. Bring to simmer over medium heat, breaking up meat with spoon. Reduce heat to medium-low to maintain gentle simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until meat is no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Stir in onion, cover, and remove from heat; keep warm while preparing buns.

   2. Spread extra mustard on bun bottoms then, using slotted spoon, mound beef mixture over top. Cap with pickles and bun tops. Serve.