Precious Time

I believe Time is the most precious gift we can give.  My life is crazy busy, which I will explain in another blog, but I have vowed to give of my time as much as possible.  Im lucky to have the opportunity to stay at home so I figure in a way I am paying it forward.
 Five years ago I moved an hour  away from my parents.  This was not easy for me since I was the one who would take them to doctor appointments and basically be there to do whatever they needed. I didnt mind then and still dont, even though the drive is much longer.  My family moved here to Michigan from Iowa in the 70's so we have no other family around.  The sad part is most my parents friends were from Iowa as well, but after retiring they moved back so my parents are pretty much alone. 

Over the last year my parents health has declined horribly.  Dad has an inoperable aneuresym and kidneys that arent working the best.  Mom has blood pressure, heart, etc.... Yesterday mom called me to let me know her sister is in the hospital with a bowel obstruction in alot of pain.  I know it pains her to be so far away and not in any condition to travel there for a visit.  A few years ago her older sister never came out of the hospital and mom just made it to her funeral.  We all have to live with decisions we make and should realize we always dont make the right ones. 

I think God had a hand the other day in guiding me to cancel our plans so I can spend some time with my parents.  Im making up a nice meal to take over tomorrow for lunch while the girls & I visit.  I thought  I would share with you the recipes for the meal I will be sharing with my parents tomorrow, even though it is pretty basic.

Hope you can share some time with someone no matter if it is five minute phone call or a nice lunch. 

Slow Cooked Pork Loin

Whole pork loin
Salt
Pepper
Garlic powder
Olive Oil
100% Grape Juice
1 large onion
1 large apple
Slice apple & onion into large pieces place in slow cooker turned on high. Wash and dry pork loin.  Season loin with salt, pepper, and garlic.  Heat olive oil in large skillet and brown loin on all sides.  Place browned loin in slow cooker.  Heat grape juice in skillet and scrap all the brown yummy bits off.  Pour grape juice over loin and cook on high 4-5 hours or low for 8.  Loin is ready when it falls apart to the touch.  This is great by itself or with your favorite BBQ sauce.

Zuchini Casserole

1 large onion sliced
4 zuchini / summer squash sliced
1 can cream of mushroon soup
1 6 oz pkg stuffing mix
1/2 stick of butter melted

Place onion & zuchini in salted water and bring to boil for 5 minutes.  Place stuffing mix in bottom of
2 qt casserole dish and mix with butter.  Drain zuchini & onions, pour over the stuffing mix.  Pour can of cream of mushroom over and mix gently.  Bake 375 deg til bubbly.  I like to add a little shredded cheese and the kids have no problem eating their veggies.
  
Peach Cream Pie

1 pkg 3oz Vanilla Pudding
1/3 c brown sugar
1 c milk
1 c sour cream
1 baked pie crust
6 peaches

Beat all ingredients on low for 2 minutes.  Add layers of pudding with peach slices. 
Refrigerate 2 hours.