Girls Trip to TJ

 I always share that you know you are an old lady when the excitement of a day out of the house is a visit to the fancy grocery store.  Trader Joe's is almost an hour away. My wonderful friend Pat organized us, we packed our coolers and hit the road at 8:30 a.m.

So bright and welcoming. 

Mr Merry has decided he is allergic to fresh flowers (he is not) but I humored him and didn't buy any.

My cart after the first aisle. 

Got some bags for trick or treaters. 

Then I came home to this. 

So I guess I am making more freezer salsa. 

We "early" voted. 

In other news, the family that I purchase my steer quarters watched me share my goddaughter's (who raises cattle in another state) recipe challenge contest on the Book of Faces and is having her own Recipe Challenge Contest.  Hers is a little more loose, no real recipes, just suggestions from cuts of meat.  

Week one was tacos and I made my taco tarts. 

Week two was brisket. I cooked it in the crock pot for the first time. It was delicious. 

And week three, beef stew. 

The challenge coordinator said she adds a can of tomato paste to her recipe and I tried it. We liked it. 

I really like that for at least two or three nights a week (we are only a family of two so lots of leftovers), I don't have to think of what to have for dinner, lol. 

Tomorrow I am in the charity office all day. I will get home in time to get the kids off the bus, take them to their other gramma and Mr Merry and I will hit the road for two hours to attend a high school play. 

Friday my daughter has a free day in exchange for evening parent teacher conferences all week. We are going out to lunch and shopping for a dressy shirt for me.  

Saturday my middle son is getting married in a casual ceremony.  The mother of the bride and I are wearing black slacks.  I need something that makes me look about 6" taller and much much thinner. And maybe younger?  I'll let you know how shopping goes.