November 2023 Project Life

 My goodness...I have really gotten behind on updating my blog.  Here are my November 2023 Project Life pages.

A big highlight of the month was that I got to meet Micky Dolenz of the MONKEES!!  I've been a Monkees fan as long as a I can remember, so practically my entire life!  I did have an interaction with Micky, Davy and Peter once at the Hotel Rivinia in Atlanta, but I wouldn't exactly call that a "meeting".  I saw them in person and they signed a few things for fans.  Of course, I've seen them several times in concert, but unfortunately never all four at the same time.  I saw Davy, Peter and Micky 4 times and I saw Micky and Mike once (a few months before Mike passed).  

It is a bit sad that all of them, except for Micky, are gone now.  

Another part of the hightlight of meeting Micky, 3 members of R.E.M. were also there, since Micky was promoting his new album, "Dolenz Sings R.E.M." - Michael Stipe, Peter Buck and Bill Berry were all there.  At one point I turned around and Michael Stipe was literally standing right behind me.  It was a fun day.

You can click on the photos to see a larger view.

Millionaire Bars

I saved this recipe onto Pinterest, I don't even know how long ago.  I have wanted to make it for a long time (probably years).  Well...now that I am retired, I have a bit of time to bake now. Bake, without rushing, that is.  It is nice just to spend a quiet, relaxing Monday baking and trying a new (to me) recipe.

I don't exactly know why these are called Millionaire Bars, but my guess is because they are so RICH!! Boy, are they rich...but so, so good.  This is a keeper. 

There are a few steps involved, but all and all, it is a pretty easy recipe. I give it 10 out of 10 stars.  I hope you enjoy them.

Millionaire’s Bars

Makes about 3 dozen bars, adapted from Eats Well With Others

Ingredients
For the shortbread:

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup sugar

For the caramel:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1 cup sugar
• 4 tbsp light corn syrup
• 2 (14 oz) cans sweetened condensed milk

For the chocolate:

• 8 oz semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 1 tsp light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• fleur de sel or sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions

1. To make the shortbread, preheat the oven to 325.  Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.  In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt.  In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.  With the mixer on low speed, blend in the flour mix until just incorporated.  Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan and press into an even layer.  Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden.  Transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool completely.
   
   
2. For the caramel, combine the butter, sugar, corn syrup and sweetened condensed milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat.  Heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted.  Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil.  Reduce the heat to a simmer, stirring constantly.  Continue simmering and stirring until the mix turns an amber color and thickens a bit.  Pour over the shortbread layer as evenly as possible and allow to cool completely and set by chilling in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
   
   
3. For the chocolate layer, in a double boiler, combine the chocolate, corn syrup, and butter over simmering water.  Heat, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is fully melted, and the mixture is smooth, pour evenly over the caramel layer and use an offset spatula to smooth it out.  Allow to cool for a minute or two and then sprinkle on the fleur de sel.  Chill, covered, until ready to slice or serve.

October Project Life

 I had a milestone birthday this year...How is that possible? I visited Summerville, GA twice and made 2 different birthday cakes for my Summerville friends that were having birthdays.  I was born on my mom's birthday, so I went to FL to spend some time with her. I managed to do a little bit of painting and saw MJ: The Musical.  The Broadway show was the first in a series, my sister bought me the entire series as a retirement present.  The gift that keeps on giving.  I love it!

Click on the photos to enlarge.

September 2023 Project Life

 September was still a warm month, and I am about ready for some cooler temperatures. I attended some great end of summer concerts, including Sting, Squeeze and the Psychedelic Furs. I traveled again. My friend, Anita and I rented a mountain cabin for a few days.  It was beautiful and peaceful,

Click to enlarge photos.

 

August 2023 Project Life

This was a very momentous month for me.  A major life change - I RETIRED !!!  I could have retired 5 years ago will full benefits, but I just wasn't ready and honestly, I enjoyed my job (for the most part) and the people I worked with.  But I finally took the plunge after a LOT (and I mean a LOT) of prayer. 

I traveled a lot too - I was in 8 different states this month!  I visited mom, and my friend Susan and I took a trip to Graceland, but decided to see a few other things while we were out, we stopped by the National Quilt Musuem and Laura Ingalls and Almonzo Wilder's home.  That was so cool!  I would love to travel out that way again.  There was so much to see and we since so much was kind of "on the spur of the moment", we didn't really get to spend as much time as I would have liked in some of the places we visited.  We had really planned for Graceland and boy, we had a blast!

We had record heat this month - whew!! The highest day, was 106 ° F.  I just don't tolerate heat very well, but it was worth it. 

Click on the photos to enlarge. 

July 2023 Project Life

July was a busy month.  My mom's oldest sister turned 88! I worked hard to finish up the fiscal year end and clean out my office.  I had a surprise retirement party, went to see Wicked (again) and took a water color painting class.

You can click on the photo to get a larger view.

Childhood Soda Poem

I have no idea why....but while I was brushing my hair this morning, a little poem we used to say as kids popped into my head...who remembers this?

Coca Cola went to town
Pepsi Cola knocked him down
7-Up picked him up
& Took him to Dr. Pepper.

June 2023 Project Life Pages

 Whew, I have been busy....I haven't even had time to post my June Project Life pages and July is almost over!!

So...in case anyone is interested, here are my June pages.

Highlights include: A visit with my FAMILY in Florida, Indigo Girls Concert, Bastille, Nile Rogers & Chic & Duran Duran Concert and a visit to the Museum of Illusion.

Click on photos to enlarge

 

 

 

 

Project Life - May 2023

I have been super busy and have ignored by blog and just yesterday, I realized I hadn't posted my May Project Life pages...so...here they are.  You can click on them to enlarge.

 

 

 

 

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Father's Day - Since the Year 2012