Finishing up June

We finally got around to replacing our outside light fixtures.  The old ones were looking pretty haggard (and had been for awhile!).  Geoff Harding did a great job of installing our new lights.  I really like the way they look!

2 of our new lights - these are by the front door

For reference... here is a photo of one of the OLD lights that these new lights replace.  :D

Glad these are now gone!  

We were able to briefly drop by a reception for Curt & Jan and family who are leaving our community to move to Arkansas.  We will sure miss having them here!  They are a wonderful family and Zack has been such a good friend to Jonathan for so long.

Jan, Laura, Curt, Marvin, and Jonathan

Deb got me hooked on these bars during the garage sale.  They are so yummy (and pretty good for you).  I bought a couple boxes from amazon - they had a wide selection of flavors.

very handy to stash in the car for a quick 'good for you' snack

What a happy day - our first summer meal of 2017 of fresh corn on the cob and BLT's with freshly grown tomatoes.  Ahhh... summer!

Kerry and family arrived in town for a visit prior to our annual family reunion coming up in early July.  Thursday evening we had the first of many family dinners together.  We also heard from old friends Jon and Janie (siblings) who were passing through town along with Jan (Jon's wife) and Ann (Jon and Janie's cousin).  We were glad they were able to run out and see us and had a great time catching up over dessert and coffee.

from front right... Janie, Jon, Ann, Jan, Mama, Daddy,
Kerry, Candace, Marvin, Laura, Rachel, Julie

Iced Tea (IP)

I was surprised to read that people were using the Instant Pot to make Iced Tea.  But it all made sense to me once I thought about it.  What better way to get a rich steeping of tea than in the pressure cooker?  It is kind of like the old Sun Tea but takes mere minutes instead of all day.

It seems that you can use fewer tea bags than you would normally for the amount of tea that you want to make.  I am still experimenting with that and would suggest you do the same.  I started out using half the amount of tea bags that I would normally and think that works pretty well.  Although, it might not hurt to use a few more.  (note - I like to add one or two Constant Comment tea bags to the regular tea bags when making iced tea.  I think it gives a nice, subtle flavoring to the tea.)

I have also read that you should add a teaspoon of baking soda.  This is to reduce any bitterness.  I am doing it - who knows if it is necessary.  :D  If you choose to add sugar or sweetener to your iced tea, do that at the end after you release the pressure.  

Iced Tea in the Instant Pot

½ to ¾ of the amount of tea bags typically recommended for the total volume of tea you are making

1 tsp. baking soda

2 cups water

Pour water into the Instant Pot then add the tea bags (minus the tags) and the baking soda.  Put the lid on and set vent to Seal.  Set on Manual High for 5 minutes then do a quick release of pressure.  You will have a strong concentrate that you can add sweetener to if you like.  Allow to cool somewhat then pour over ice and add water to create the volume of tea you are making.  

Corn on the Cob (IP)

Yes, you can make corn on the cob in the Instant Pot.  :)  It is a quick and easy way to enjoy corn on the cob.

Shuck the ears of corn and clean off remaining silts.  Place 1 cup of water plus a Tbsp. of butter in the bottom of the Instant Pot.  Put the rack in the pot and then either stack the corn (in a crisscross fashion) on top of the rack, or stand the ears of corn upright around the sides of the pot.  Just make sure the corn doesn't go above the 'fill' line of the IP.  

Close lid and set vent to Seal.  Cook on Manual High for 2 minutes then do a quick release of pressure.  Corn is ready to serve!

I forgot to take a photo until Jonathan was
getting the last ears of corn from the pot.  :D

Farewell Reception

We hosted the farewell reception for our outgoing pastor and his family.  It was scheduled from 2-4 and we wondered what the weather would be like - especially considering we have had many 95 degree days lately!  But the weather could not have been any more perfect - 76 and sunny.  A lovely day for a gathering.

So many folks pitched in to help prepare for the big day.  Many ladies baked cookies and cupcakes to share, Lisa and her girls did a wonderful job of decorating with flowers that my sister, Julie, grew in her yard, folks helped set up tables, and more.  All hands on deck made for an easy event.  Thank you to all who helped!!

Jennifer helping getting cupcakes decorated

getting flowers in mason jars to set out

Rep. Nate Walker presented Richard, Sam and Erin with an official state of Missouri proclamation honoring their years of service here.

Janet and John presented a love offering and a memory book.

Karen made this clever display/card

Folks were able to grab a plate of cookies and cupcakes then enjoy some fellowship time in the backyard.

Tarasa, Jennifer, and John

Karen

Pastor Richard joined the kids on the playset!  :)

:D

John, Jennifer, Mary Lee, Rick,
Tarasa, Karen

Marvin and Carlos

Donna, Karen, Duretta, and Lynae

 David and Barry

Clark family with Erin

Theresa and Jaden

You can see an entire album of photos at this link...
https://www.flickr.com/photos/williscreekranch/albums/72157682863665263

Spinach and Artichoke Chicken

Spinach and Artichoke Chicken
3-5 chicken breasts (I use Schwans 4 oz. filets)
2 Tbsp. butter, divided
1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped (about 15 oz.)
5 oz. spinach leaves (I used frozen this time but will also use fresh)
1 tsp. minced garlic
½ cup half and half (or milk, or cream)
3 oz. shredded Parmesan cheese
⅓ cup mayonnaise
⅓ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
salt and pepper to taste
may also add some garlic powder and onion powder to taste if you like

In a large skillet, melt 1 Tbsp. butter and cook chicken breasts until juices run clear.  Remove chicken breasts from skillet.  Melt remaining Tbsp. of butter and add minced garlic to saute.  Then add the chopped artichoke hearts and spinach.  Cook and stir until spinach is wilted.  Add half and half, Parmesan cheese, mayo, and sour cream.  Stir well to combine.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Add chicken back to skillet and heat through.  Serve the spinach artichoke topping over chicken.

The chicken breast is under all that yummy spinach artichoke goodness!  :)

I used the leftover spinach artichoke mixture as a spread for toast the next day.  

Ladies breakfast

Saturday morning (following our late night at the Bridge View Center) Shonda and I met again at the Ladies of Cornerstone breakfast.  Although I was still tired from the night before, I got myself to the breakfast on time!  :D  It was a fun and relaxing morning of visiting with dear friends.  Got my Saturday off to a good start.  :)

Shonda, Kathy, and Lora getting the buffet ready for all

Shonda, Karen, Susie, Marti, and Lora

Kendra, Laura, and Kathy

Brandi, Carla, Rebecca, Susan, and Jami

Allison