Wed. Walk Back in Time

 Well, yesterday's mention of the train whistle brought about a lot of memories from folks.  I love reading everyone's memories.  It always gets me to thinking.  I ventured back in time again yesterday - thinking about mom and daddy.  My fondest memories are in the kitchen and in the garden.  Kitchen with mom and garden with dad.  Being the youngest by 10 1/2 years, I was pretty much like an only child much of the week.  So we spent a whole lot of time together and I learned a whole lot of things from them.

Mom cooked and baked and canned and froze.  She made the best everything in my opinion.  I make many of the same recipes and well - they just aren't the same.  Glen used to even say that - "it's good, but it doesn't taste like your moms".  LOL!  I was good with that, because I agreed.

This was the kind of stove we had until I was 9 or 10.  We had a Chambers stove and oh my goodness, what I wouldn't give for one of those today.  It had a built-in griddle, oven, broiler, and a deep well.  Best pancakes in the world came off the griddle.  I don't remember what all mom used the deep well for, except soup beans.  They would cook all day, slowly, and the house smelled heavenly.

Mom decided she wanted a 'modern' kitchen when I was about 9.  So, we got the wall oven and broiler a built-in stove a corner sink, new cabinets all around and an eat at bar.  It was fancy for the times!!!!  The 60's!  The stove and oven was a fawn color - so it lasted the test of time.  It was still a working kitchen when mom passed in 2001.

Years ago, Glen and I got to looking around to see if we could find a Chambers stove.  IF you could find one, of course it was refurbished.  The costs were in the thousands!  We did find a rusty one in non-working order at a rehab shop here in town, and even that one was priced at over $1,000 dollars.  Yep, it suddenly became chic again!

Boy the food that came out of that kitchen.  The smells.  The tastes.  I miss that all so much.

This was a treat we got once in a while with soup beans.  Sure beat the traditional cornbread.  Don't get me wrong, I loved mom's cornbread, but hoecakes were a treat.  I still do these every now and then.  So yummy.

Daddy was a gardener to beat all gardeners in my opinion.  He did organic way before that was a 'big thing'.  He believed in the natural ways.  He started a gardening club in his later years and taught many people the ideals of natural gardening.  He could grow HUGE and wonderful tasting anything.  He grew what seemed like exotic items to me back in the day.  There was salsify - which is also called the oyster plant (not a fan).  He grew kohlrabi back then - I grew to like that.  We had raspberries (6 - 90' rows), strawberries, cherries, peaches, apples and all kinds of veggies and melons.  He grew luffas - which was neat back then.  Daddy passed in 1984, and I still have many of his luffas.  I had dozens of them and over the years have gifted them to family - and yes, I still use mine.

To this day I love walking barefoot in the dirt, because when I was little, I would walk behind daddy as he plowed the garden (I was always barefoot), and the feel of the soil was incredible to me.

For some reason this picture reminds me of daddy in the garden.  He walks always singing and whistling while he worked, and he loved his garden.  Other than meat and grains, we pretty much grew everything we ate.  Before me, there were chickens and goats (my brother had to have goats' milk when little).  Later on we got eggs from a neighbor.

Daddy was always in his bibbers and his cowboy hat while working.  No shirt, just bibbers!

It was always an afternoon treat, to walk out with daddy and pick a tomato and sit under the shade tree and eat them - with salt!  There was always a saltshaker at hand!!!

I lost most of my old pictures when my last computer died (the ones I had on computer).  Just yesterday I came across the zip drive that has most of them on it.  I will soon have all those oldies back at hand. I will share some garden/daddy pics at some point.

Oh what great memories.  I know not everyone is as old as I am, so things will be different.  Some of you remember these kinds of things.  I also know not everyone had good memories growing up - that makes me so sad.  I wish I could take you by the hand and walk with you back to my house growing up.  You would have enjoyed it.  Well, I guess I just kind of did - huh?

Have a wonderful and blessed day - and go out and make a memory with someone today.  One they will talk about when they get old and gray!

SMILE

First Tuesday - This and That

 Happy August to you all.  WOW!  It sure came around fast.

Here in the northern hemisphere, August is surely HARVEST month!!!!  This is now the time for all the wonderful freshness and farm harvest goodies.  Not just from the gardens, but from farm stands as well.  July was just the start.  August and September seem to be the fruitful months.  Get all that you can get - it is a wonderful time for freshness.

The daylight hours are getting a little shorter.  It is very noticeable around here.  Dark a little earlier and a little later each morning.

The moon has been ginormous and full the past couple of nights.  My goodness, the brightness has been amazing.

I am still seeing lightening bugs and hearing cicadas.  The crops are doing amazingly well for me.  I guess I shouldn't brag - but they have done great.  Tomatoes are finally starting to flourish.

I am looking forward to 'shark week' (or 2 or 3) to be over.  Every year - is that necessary?  Same stuff all the time and it messes up regular programming!!  LOL!  Also tired of seeing Jason Momoa act the fool in the stupid commercials.  OK - just one of those things that bug me!!!!!!!

There are some shows that will be coming on new this month, that I enjoy.  Mainly shows like Maine Cabin Masters, Barnwood Building, Expedition X, Mountain Men, etc.  All filmed before there was a shut down in the filming industry.  I am not big on conventional TV at all - I do like these kinds of shows, however.

I am going to try and behave again this month as far as grocery shopping.  I am good.  I have an abundance of fresh items - that is good for me.  I may visit the farm stand for other fresh goods - but need to buy nothing much for the pantry.  I will watch for good sales come the end of the month, as there will probably be some good things advertised for Labor Day weekend.

I hope to do some canning with my tomatoes and grapes.  This year we have had enough intermittent rain, that the grapes are doing good.

When you have a full belly, it is hot out and you need a nap!!!!!  Been there and done that!!!!

Do you have big plans for August?  I think many take vacations to end the summer - what about you?

I am just ready for the mosquitoes to be gone again, so I can sit back out on my porch in the evenings!  Goodness, going out near dusk gets one eaten alive around here.

It will be nice to be able to have the bedroom window open a little at night again (cooler nights).  I love lying in bed listening to the train whistle!  It is about 3 blocks away, and it takes me back to being a kid.  I listened then as well - as the tracks were just a couple blocks away.  It always soothed me.

Well, I wish you all a good month.  I hope everyone stays fit and healthy and happy.  May your harvests be many.

HAPPY AUGUST to all!!!!!

Weekly Wrap Up 7/30

 Happy last Sunday of July.  Goodness golly time is flying by.  It has been a hot one around here and most everywhere this past week.  We have a much-needed break coming up for this coming week - low humidity and a bit lower temps!  Had quite a little storm come through very early Saturday morning.  It must have had rotating winds.  Storm was from the west - yet things blew from east to west!  Next door had the inflatable pool from their neighbor on the east of them, in their yard!  Over the fence and across the yard and up against my fence!!!!! (it is a decent size pool - though empty)

We had a few little showers this week and it kept me from having to water the main garden.  The pots did get watered.

I have a baby racoon suddenly in my trees!  Oh my.  It is alone - no mamma.  It must have got left behind or lost.  So stinking cute and little (about the size of a little puppy).  Squirrels and Blackie aren't sure about it.  It goes from tree to tree.  I will have to live trap this week.  Been waiting to see if it was going to be rescued by its mom.

I had a decent week - though quiet for the most part.

• Cleaned and refilled hummingbird feeders and made more nectar.  They sure are drinking a lot - maybe the heat.  I have one that goes from port to port trying each out.  Different flavors I guess!!!  LOL
• Continued to work on pantry some more - so much in that room that isn't pantry - a lot of work
• Call me trapper Cheryl!!!!  I live trapped 2 groundhogs this week in my yard.  Saw them - put out trap - within 30 minutes had each - different days).  My neighbor across the street took them to White River for me - I paid him for his gas and efforts
• Watered pots with rainwater
• OK - I did go to Kroger.  I really wanted lettuce and wanted some burger buns - I also needed a birthday gift for an event this coming weekend (for 1 year old).  I went to the super Kroger.  I got a deal and a half.  I walked to clearance and looky what I got!!!!!

A dozen jars with rings and lids for 3.06!!!!!!!  One end had the plastic open - only thing wrong.  No broken.  What a deal!!!!!!

• I cut my hair and did a root job - both myself at home
• I am getting lots of harvest - cukes, zucchini and YAY tomatoes!!!!  Peppers about ready. Eating fresh every day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
• I made 3 quarts of refrigerator dill pickles - using both zucchini and cucumbers
• Used the G Foreman grill and air fryer several times this week - instead of oven
• The neighbor who took off the groundhogs made me a very simple rustic bench for my yard.  Neat thing - last year he got most of the good wood left from Glen's ramp.  He has used for a lot of things and this is made from that!!!!  How cool - still have a bit of that ramp now.

• I cleaned and organized the frig freezer this week.  Found some forgotten items - will be using them soon.  It looks so nice now!
• The same guy (bench) wife brought me a jar of sliced cukes in vinegar/sugar - she made a bunch and only she eats them - so she brought me a quart jar!  YUM - a favorite summer bite
• Just doing all the normal stuff we all do

Meals this past week:

Dirty rice and zucchini fries

Leftover rice with meatballs and salad

Tuna salad (with egg added) served with crackers and tomatoes and cukes

Grilled zucchini and green beans/pepper/onion sauteed

Fish sandwich - cukes/tomatoes

Spicey mac n cheese and sauteed zucchini - sliced tomato

Burger w/lettuce/onion/tomato and cuke/onion salad

                                                                                YUM!!!!!

A nice week - all said and done.  How was your week?  How are those gardens doing?  Are you canning or freezing items yet?  Any good deals?

Are you finding ways to stay cool?  I sure do feel for so many who have the extreme heat - it was bad enough here - I just can't imagine what some are dealing with.

I wish you all a lovely week and pray that you stay safe, cool, and healthy.

Blessings to you and yours from me at my humble little home.

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The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; great is thy faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23

Lord, help us even in our dark hours and down moments to know - You will always be there for us.  When life is bleak, help remind us, that this will pass.  Someday we will be in Your presence in Heaven and until then, You are forever with us on earth.  Thank You for being our rock.  Amen

Weekend Ready??

 Is everyone getting ready for the weekend?  I know some of you work - so the weekend has more meaning.  For us retired gals - well, it is another day or two.  They all seem the same and kind of run together.  Shoot, many times I am not sure what day it really is!

I do basically the same things in the same order - 7 days a week.  Throw a holiday in there - when the rest of the world has plans, or they are off work - and it messes me all up!!!!  LOL

It is going to be HOT!  The humidity is stupid!!!!!  We have an air quality alert until Saturday evening due to the smoke from Canada.  We have a heat advisory until Sat. evening as well.  Today will be the hottest day of 2023 here, and tomorrow is promised to beat that.  Well, aint that just grand?  NOT

Sounds like a plan to me!!!!!!!  I do plan on being inside a lot - so maybe some reading, a spa evening, and for sure a nap!!!  YEP

I go out early to feed the critters and Blackie - then check the garden and pick what is ready.  I do go out from time to time and feed and water animals and then water the pots.  So far the main garden is doing fine without watering from soaker hose.  We keep getting nice afternoon showers about every other day.

Blackie is being a stinker - he knows when females are in heat and other males are around.  He "thinks" he has to roam around like the 'other' boys!!!  LOL (much to do about nothing)

It usually happens on the coldest days, the rainiest/stormiest days, and now the hottest ones.  Crazy cat!

I did see him this morning over at the empty property across the alley - he just hasn't come for breakfast yet.  He'll get hungry and thirsty and show up soon.  He loves to worry his momma!  Stinker!

Hope you all get some goodies from the gardens or maybe go to a farm market this weekend.  Stay cool and hydrated.  Make sure you all leave plenty of water out for any pets or for nature.  The birds and squirrels need water too - and it tends to keep them away from the tomato plants!!!!!!

Have a wonderful weekend and hopefully you all get a nap in!!!!!!

Conscientious Consuming

 Well, I looked at the Kroger ad for this week and all I can say is - "yippee, I need nothing".  Nope not a thing.  As we spoke about last week, I am trying to be a better shopper and not just go out and grocery shop to grocery shop.

I did see a couple thigs (only) in the ad that was good pricing.  There was bacon - 2.99/lb.  Super price!  I have pounds of it in my big freezer.  There was boneless skinless chicken breast for 1.47/lb.  Good deal.  Nope need none of that either.

I cleaned out and organized the frig freezer the other day - it is amazing what all that holds!!  I found a few forgotten things - nice.  They will be used shortly.  I did get rid of a couple items, just wasn't sure what it was.  I BAD!  I didn't mark them for some strange reason.  Really not like me.

I can walk out and get tomatoes now (yay), cukes, zucchini, and peppers any time I want.  I have carrots and radishes in the crisper.  I have onions and potatoes.  Lots of canned/frozen veggies that can be served alone or with rice or pasta and any type of seasoning or sauce that I may feel like that day.  I have meat, lots of meat.  I still have eggs, butter, milk and cheese in the frig.  WHY go out?

I am good.  I am blessed.

I did notice they had 'lunchables' in the ad this week.  School is starting, so they are back on the kid focused stuff.

I really had to laugh.  My goodness, these things are nothing new.  I remember mom cutting up some lunchmeat and cheese and handing me some crackers, all for a snack.  Yep - we had the original lunchables!!!!!!!

If you look at the ones they sell today - there is basically NOT even a total slice of lunchmeat or cheese in them!  Talk about a money maker.  People can't just think and make their own versions!!!!  That isn't as easy!  They could sure be put together cheaper and a lot healthier if made at home.

Summer is my time to eat veggies and fruit.  I love them.  I love walking out to my backyard and picking wonderful produce.  Like I said in a comment yesterday - it is like Christmas, just hot!  You get surprises every day.

So for now, I am trying to be very conscientious about grocery shopping.  I am blessed to have much to choose from and I can make about anything I want.  Lately I have been eating less meat and more veggies.  I do that in summer.  With working in the yard, sweating and eating better, I get off those winter pounds.  I feel better.

I am full and feel better - that is what it is all about.  

Are you watching your shopping?  Indulging in more fresh?  Saving a buck or two?

We got this - enjoy the summer and all it has to offer.

**PS - remember how people used to dress back in the day for going out (above pic)?  I love it.  No house slippers or jammies or half naked bodies in public then!!!!  Class!

A Little of This and a Little of That

 Happy Tuesday all.  Here we go into the last week of July - and what looks to be a hot one most places.  Time flies when you are having fun!  LOL

Gardens are really starting to take off - so everyone is looking for ways to preserve and use things.  I love that, for all those who have 'grow'ceries in their yards!!!  Use all those fresh goods up and ENJOY them to the fullest.  We have such a short window of time it seems to get all the fresh goodies.

Today a few things to eat and drink.  Maybe it will keep you cool OR maybe it will help you preserve.

One recipe was a favorite of my Glen.  I will share with you all.  He loved it, I thought it sounded ick - then I tried it and loved it too!

A refreshing cold drink that takes me back a bit.  To those days of walking the shopping malls with friends and a delish cold Julius!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Click on pic to enlarge for easier reading.

Yes, those who love fried green tomatoes can have them all year long!  I have done this many times and they are just as yummy in the dead of winter as they are in the summer.

Can some of those extra green tomatoes.

Great for making relish as well.  This is a great way to preserve them at the end of the season - when that big frost is coming, and they are still on the vine!!!!!

Glen's favorite red bean salad.  It truly is tasty.

Click on recipe to enlarge.

REFRIGERATOR PICKLES

For those who may not can or want to can - you can make quick and easy pickles and store in the frig.  I am doing this TODAY!  I don't have enough of cukes or zucchini (yes I make pickles with it) to do a whole canner of processed pickles - so I am making frig pickles.  I will enjoy just as much.  I am kind of a pickle nut!!!

I love dill pickles.  I do enjoy my Bread & Butter pickles as well - but dill it a fav.

This is a simple to use recipe.  Small batch.  I generally heat this up a bit - just to dissolve the sugar, and I feel it gets into the veggies quicker.  Cool after jarring and keep refrigerated.  They are usually pretty good after 2-3 weeks of sitting and soaking!!!!

Now I do mine a tad bit different sometimes.

I have several Mrs. Wages pickle mixes on hand always.  Instead of using fresh dill heads I add 2-3 tablespoons of this mix to the liquid.  It gives a great taste and pretty color.  There are lots of herbs and spices in the mix.  (you can use any flavor or type you may have of mix).  I sometimes leave out the garlic as well - or just add a bit of dehydrated that I have.  Since it all is about your taste buds - you can play with it a bit.

See that zucchini above?  That was one of those big mamma jammers that get lost in the greenery!  Oh my.  It will become pickle spears or chunks today!!!!!  I will do some cukes as well.

So there you have my this and that for today.  I hope this gives some of you a few ideas of things to make for now and to enjoy later.

I will keep giving ideas of garden crops as we go along - tis the season!!!!!!!

Have a blessed day and live it well - you just never know what tomorrow may bring!

Weekly Wrap Up 7/23

 Happy Sunday my friends.  Glad to have you here.  I hope you have had a nice week and stayed healthy.  I know there were some sad times for a couple of you, and I am so sorry and have lifted you in prayer.

It has been a warm week - with the past couple days being quite nice and refreshing.  We did get a nice little rain on Thursday evening.

It looks as if the coming week will be a HOT one.  It is predicted to be 90 or above move of the week and it looks like no rain is in sight.  UGH!  I guess July decided to go out with a bang around here and much of the country.

The phlox is blooming profusely, and it smells so divine.  It must taste pretty good too, as the hummingbirds and bees sure do love it.

Glad to see so many here this week.  It seems there was quite a good conversation going on.  I love it to see everyone share ideas and help each other along the path.

My week:

• I did go out last Sunday and mow the front yard - as I knew it was going to get hot and maybe rain.  I wanted the front to look decent!
• I have been picking a lot of garden.  Zucchinis galore, cucumbers - more than any recent years, starting to get handfuls of cherry tomatoes.  I have a couple of regular tomatoes getting pink!!!  There are tons of peppers about ready to harvest.
• My neighbor brought me 3 cucumbers - they look like store bought almost - much bigger than what I pick here.  She also brought me a couple of tomatoes!

How I pick mine - crisp and sweet.  Much smaller than hers.  Mine are just great for snacking.

They cukes I was gifted.  I didn't get a pic of the tomatoes - ate them!!!  These were great for cucumber and onion salad.

• I did run out on Monday to Kroger.  Cantaloupe were 1.99 ea. and I had .60 off coupons - not the sweetest but not bad.  They were refreshing.  Campbells soup was .99/can limit 5.  I got some tomato and a couple veg. beef.  Cat treats.  I was a good girl!!!!
• Made a gallon of tea
• Hard boiled eggs
• Worked on the pantry stuff - NOT done!
• Used rain water to water plants
• Neighbor brought me some zucchini bread she made - YUM.  She was the one I gave zucchini to
• Tons of yard work.  I got all the hundreds of stems down from the tiger lilies (oh my).  Pulled out wild vines and many, many weeds.  Lots of poison - I just can't get rid of it.  Our area is prone - and without killing flowers I just have to keep pulling.  It has been so humid, that things have gotten out of hand - took advantage while cooler!
• I mowed and trimmed front to back at the end of week
• Ate very little meat this week.  Concentrated on eating veggies
• Using what I have on hand and eating from home
• Dehumidifier water in laundry
• Just doing all the normal stuff

Meals this past week:

Egg sandwich and salad

BLT 💖💖

Jalapeno/cheese zucchini boats

Veggie fried rice

Eggrolls - using leftover veg. rice, salad

Toasted bagel sandwich with cream cheese, tomato, onion, cukes and boiled egg

Taco salad - topped with a ton of fresh veggies (no lettuce)

Jalapeno/cheese zucchini boats made in air fryer.  Sooooo yummy!

How was your week?  Did you get any great deals?  OR are you now trying to use what you have on hand and just get fresh?  How are the gardens going?

I look forward to hearing from each of you.

I hope you each have a wonderful week ahead and stay safe and healthy and COOL!!!!!

Blessings from my humble little home to you and yours.

*********************

Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.  She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

Proverbs 31:25-26

Lord, we take a moment to thank You for the minds You gave us and the ability to reason and for the ability to be sensitive to others and things. Help us to continue to learn Your ways as we walk through life, and to be open to teaching those things to others.  Guide us each day and let us follow and do Thy will.  Amen