Friday Fun Foto's (yep Cantigny again)

Only a few shots for you today! Once again it was unseasonably warm, I think it hit 82, I love that this keeps happening on Fridays! I really wanted to go back and check on the blooming, I knew there wouldn't be much difference in one week, but we did get a great walk in as well!

I have been trying to get a picture of a hawk for a long time now, I have been unsuccessful, however this nice robin was happy to pose for me! this crazy squirrel was making such a noise trying to get that nut open!
He was really high up in the tree, my camera rocks for zoomin' in on stuff!

These Magnolias were the buds that I showed you last week! They were just beautiful!

Silky smooth and just the perfect spring pink!

I couldn't stop taking pictures of them, I am not even sharing all of them, wouldn't want you to get to bored!

Here is me and the Ferg, um...the bearded Ferg! I am gonna send this one to his Mom! lol!

Just look at that beard!!!!

Have a nice weekend!

Friday Fun Foto's (long post)

My day started bright and early, the birds outside my bedroom window seemed to instinctively know that today was going to be one of the most beautiful days of this year, so far!

I rolled out of bed with my smile in tact and dressed for the gym. Packed my pink gym bag, mixed up my protein shake and away I went.

I got to the gym popped my earphones in and turned up the volume. 2 miles on the track. then 30 minutes lifting weights. then I headed to SPIN class, the class I have come to love! I love the loud music and the energy spinning through the air. I made it through 45 minutes of that, and some days I would go into Pilate's. My gym routine these days are getting longer and longer LOL. It is paying off! But today the sunshine was calling my name.

So Jeff and I headed off to Cantigny! I had no idea what a beautiful place this was, and for an entry fee of $5 a car such a deal! (You can read about what it is more if you click HERE)

It was as if spring had come into bloom as soon as we crossed the gates! The grass was so green. there were fat bee's doing there business with the flowers, and I even found a butterfly!!!

Can you see it in this picture?

Most of this area does not have as many flowers as this park did already blooming, it was a pleasant surprise!
This Oak tree is over 300 years old!

There are tons of lovely benches to sit and relax, although we made a walking trip out of it, only to stop for pictures. (we walked just under 4 miles!)

There wasn't even a cloud in the sky, a perfectly ordered day, the early birds were right!

Grand weeping willows, which is another tree that I love! There were also lots of war statues set on the property. Much too much to explain during one blog post, as it already a long post!

Some of the trees were just starting to bloom.

I can only imagine how pretty this blossom will be!

A lot of the cherry trees were in full bloom!

There delicate pillowy flowers blowing in the breeze.

I love this picture.

Just look at that fat bee!

Can you find another bee nestled in this flower as well?

Mr Ferg forever young was focused on the tanks and military memorabilia, while I was focused on the more natural things around us. very typical!

"Hey Jules, there is a penny in there!"

this area was called "Reflection Point"

Such pretty pots!

A lovely pool outside the doors of Colonel McCormick's mansion, imagine waking up on this property every morning!
An interesting little statue on the front porch.

More cherry trees and a sundial of sorts.

I encourage everyone to visit this place. I can't wait to go back in a week or 2 and see all the blooming progress. Expect to see more pictures of this place. Whatr a great place to walk!

For today...it is supposed to snow tonight!

Happy Monday!

4 Points sooo Yummy!

I forgot to show you a picture of what my dinner looked like last night. I gave you the recipe but no picture. This whole plate of food was 4 points!

It is turkey meatloaf & root mash YUM! Just look at that, such comfort food. It is just not the same if you don't have a visual!
The root mash as you know is 0 points. The big slice of meat loaf is 4!!!!
Here is the deets on the meets...loaf! Lol!


1 pound ground turkey
3 egg whites or 1/4 cup egg substitute
1 cup salsa (half mixed in half on top)
1 cup broccoli (I cut just the floret tops off, the stems don't soften enough for my liking)
1 medium red bell pepper
1/4 cup plain bread crumbs
1/2 cup jalapeno peppers (optional)
1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
1 tsp black pepper

mix all together reserving 1/2 cup of the salsa. smash in a dish, top with remaining salsa. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes covered, then 15 uncovered.
Serves 4. 4 points each!

Root Mash

Hi my friends!

OMG this is soooo good! Instead of mashed potatoes...
2 medium turnips
1 large rutabaga
2-3 parsnips

Peel and cube all these roots to about the same size and boil them in water, just like mashed potatoes. Cook until fork tender.
Strain and them mash or whip with mixer.
Add seasoning, like salt, pepper, garlic, cayenne whatever you like!

This is sooo very good and no points how can you go wrong!