Summer is winding down in Alabama. I love fall, but I’m always still kind of sad at this time of the year, saying good-bye to summer. This is what the beginning of fall is looking like at the Freeman residence.
The return of oatmeal!
This is my favorite breakfast for the cooler weather. The easiest way to make it is is with instant oats (we like maple/brown sugar or cinnamon/brown sugar) in the microwave using milk (not water – we actually use Silk vanilla almond milk) per package directions. I usually use a little bit less milk than recommended because I like the oatmeal to be thicker. Or you can make it the long way on the stove with regular oats + milk and add in some brown sugar & cinnamon, to taste. Sometimes we add chia seeds (a large pinch – probably about a tbsp) because they are nutritious and also because they thicken up the oatmeal even more. This is not necessary, though.
Next, while the oatmeal is still really hot (still on stove or immediately out of the microwave), add 1/2 – 1 sliced banana and stir, stir, stir. The banana will mostly dissolve into the oatmeal, but there will still be big clumps throughout. The banana gives it a thick, creamy texture + additional sweetness. If you use a whole, ripe banana you may not need to add additional sugar.
Next – garnish! We use our homemade granola (probably about 2-3 tablespoons + 1 tbsp of nut butter. We really like Barney Butter or Skippy natural peanut butter (my favorite). I bet Biscoff spread would be really good, too. This oatmeal is so delicious, wonderful, and filling. The flavor combination possibilities are unlimited!
Next: Chocolate Pie!
So, it was good news to hear that I have been cleared by the surgeon to “participate in food preparation.” Except I made this pie before I actually got that clearance. Ooops. But it was worth it! And it was so easy. I used a recipe from Chocolate Covered Katie (best dessert recipe site on the internet, and they are all made with nutritious, whole foods). I melted the (milk) chocolate chips in the microwave (30 second intervals & stir)…it only takes about a minute and a half. I used a pre-made shortbread-type pie crust that Brent picked up. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately for me), Brent picked up the ingredients for this pie, so he refused to eat it. Because it contained an entire container of tofu.
Yes! A chocolate tofu pie! I totally agree that tofu is kind-of creepy/nasty, but you honestly cannot taste it in this recipe. It gives it such a great creamy, but firm, texture. And the longer this pie sits in the refrigerator, the better it gets. But Brent wouldn’t know.
This is the first leaf change I have seen. This tree, which is actually on our neighbor’s property, has the prettiest leaves in the fall…I have posted pictures of them several times on this blog and I’m sure I will post many more this fall (you are welcome, Kourtney!).
Evening walks…..
We still haven’t found the family of this stray dog. She is so sweet and well-behaved and she is so happy with us. And she is so, so cute! When we get the leash out, she goes absolutely crazy, jumping all over the place. She loves to go outside! When I get back to walking, she will be an excellent exercise companion. She has so much energy!
This flower is blooming in our backyard. I certainly didn’t plant it, but I don’t think I have ever noticed it before. I don’t know what it is!
The tomatoes (above) are actually our neighbor’s that are overflowing across the fence into our yard. I have *always* hated tomatoes, but have always loved ketchup, marinara sauce, pizza sauce, etc. Lately, though, I think my tastes are changing. I love margherita pizzas and Subway’s veggie subs (with tomatoes). And besides all of that, I *love* the smell of tomatoes on the vine…I can close my eyes and I am at home in my parent’s garden. It’s so funny how food can have such strong emotional associations. One spring I will get my act together and plant a garden that includes tomatoes.
Sometimes, when I’m taking all of these random ordinary photos, I am struck with an odd, sentimental feeling, almost like I am in the future looking back on our life. I realize that one day, I am going to look back on this house and our simple little life here in Alabama and miss it. It is easy to get bored and wish for a more exciting time in the future (holidays, vacations, children, etc), but I believe that it is so important to be grateful for the present, no matter how monotonous and ordinary it may seem. I truly wish I had started blogging and taking photos of our everyday life so much earlier. I hope that our family and friends who read this blog enjoy the photos and stories, but really, this space is for us…almost like a scrapbook/journal, but lower-maintenance and more fun.
This is me, recovering from back surgery, with my favorite toy. I accidentally cropped my dark roots out of this photo, which turned out good for me. Unfortunately, I could not crop out the food-stained shirt. I have major problems keeping things in my hands. This has saved my life:
I honestly don’t know what I would have done during this recovery period without my “grabber.” It is wonderful. I never realized how much stuff I drop until I could no longer pick it all up! The only problem is that I drop the grabber all the time also!
Okay, one more thing (this post is out of control, clearly):
That would be Red Lobster’s cheddar garlic biscuits. My first meal out of the house in weeks – this happened on Wednesday, after my first follow-up appointment. I never order lobster because it is so $$$$, but this time, since it was kind-of like a special occasion, we went all out and it was wonderful – lobster, scallops & shrimp. We had coupons & ended up getting $7 off of our total bill (Brent is becoming the Coupon King…more info to come).
Okay, that’s enough for now! More later!
