Sunday Funday & Entertaining from the Pantry

 Just wanted to update you a little on the Sunday celebration get together.  I maybe just want to brag a little about my sweet family - yes, I do!  They are just the best.  We had such a great day together.  Laughter, stories, sharing, and just loving each other.  

After I brag for moment, then I will go on and tell you the menu and how I made a pretty good spread for all from what I had on hand!

I hope you can read this.  Click on the pic to enlarge.  I LOVE THIS!  They sure know how to make this gal feel loved.

Another sweet gift.  I just love my family so much.  I think maybe they like me a little!

My nephew made this vase/goblet by hand for me.  It started as a solid piece of mahogany, and he whittled and turned it on his lathe into this beautiful piece.  The picture does not do it justice.  It is gorgeous.

My little gr. gr nephew (he's 4) had an absolute ball watching the squirrels and birds.  We watched together from the bedroom window, and we went outside and watched.  He thought it was great that there were so many squirrels.  The laughter and the smiles - what a wonderful gift.

By the way - my niece was overwhelmed with her toothpick holder and her mom's little hankie, that were added to her gift bag.  She said she needed nothing else all year.  Her brother (who made the vase above) is going to make a frame for her, so she can frame the hankie.  That little hankie is about 75 years old.

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Now the menu!

I made a big batch of very meaty chili.  I had everything I needed for that on hand.

We had sliced ham and cheese variety and summer sausage (from my stock).  Many types of crackers - saltines, Triscuits, Cheese-its, and oyster crackers.  Pickles, olives, sliced cukes, sugar pea pods and cherry tomatoes.

I only bought slider buns and cherry tomatoes.  The pea pods I found that same day on clearance.

I made tea, had fruit juice, milk, and cold water on hand.  I made bags of ice over the week.

We had the snack mix, brownies and cookies for sweets.  There was also a bowl of clearance snack-bite candy bars I had purchased after Halloween.  

Basically, my outlay of funds was probably around $5 or $6.  Everyone ate and ate - and I have leftovers for my week and for the freezer.  You sure can't beat that.

I love having my freezer and pantry to help me in any given situation.  It is nice to know that a good and tasty meal can be put together with what is on hand.

I could have done any number of items - but chose this.

Keep working those pantries and freezers.  Get those clearance and mark-downs.  They sure come in handy - not just for company but for daily eating.

Have a wonderful Tuesday!!!!!!!

Never stop learning and seeing opportunities